In:
Hepatology Research, Wiley, Vol. 52, No. 11 ( 2022-11), p. 899-907
Abstract:
Achieving hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires continuous and sustained high volumes of diagnosis and treatment, which have been affected by the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. This study assessed the effects of COVID‐19 on hepatitis‐related services in Japan and compared Japan's situation with a global survey. Methods We conducted an online cross‐sectional questionnaire survey of hepatologists from the Japan Society of Hepatology from August to October 2021 by using the same questionnaire from which a survey was conducted globally to address the effects of COVID‐19 on hepatitis‐related services. Hepatologists responded based on own impressions of their affiliated institutions. Results In total, 196 hepatologists participated from 35 prefectures including 49.5% in managerial positions. Approximately 40% survey participants reported a 1%–25% decline in HBV and HCV screening and confirmatory testing. In addition, 53.6% and 45.4% reported no decline in HBV and HCV treatment initiation, respectively. Comparing any level of decrease with the global survey, there was less of a decline observed in Japan for screening (HBV: 51% vs. 56.3%, HCV: 51% vs. 70.9%) and treatment initiation (HBV: 32.7% vs. 52.4%, HCV: 41.8% vs. 66%). However, patient anxiety/fear (67.4%) and loss of staff due to COVID‐19 (49.0%) were reported as challenges for resuming services to pre‐COVID‐19 levels. Conclusion Although in Japan all‐inclusive decline in HBV‐ and HCV‐related services were lower than in other countries, a greater decline was observed in HBV and HCV screening and diagnosis than in treatment initiation. Prolonged anxiety/fear among patients, and loss of staff and facilities from the COVID‐19 response activities must be addressed to achieve elimination of hepatitis by 2030.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1386-6346
,
1872-034X
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2006439-1
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