
%0 Journal Article
%A Treloar, Carla 
%A Holt, Martin 
%T Drug treatment clients' readiness for hepatitis C treatment: implications for expanding treatment services in drug and alcohol settings
%J Australian Health Review
%D 2008/09/01
%V 32
%N 3
%P 570-576
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/AH080570
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/AH080570 
%X This study explores the perception of and readiness for hepatitis C treatment within a sample of 77 clients already participating in drug treatment, with a view to identifying likely barriers and incentives to hepatitis C treatment within a drug treatment population. Participants with hepatitis C did not demonstrate a consistent, indepth knowledge of the infection, lacked confidence in symptom recognition, and had little awareness of treatment options. Those without obvious symptoms or liver deterioration did not have a pressing interest in treatment, and many had heard concerning stories about the side effects of hepatitis C treatment. For those coping with anxiety or depression, the increased risk of a depressive episode under interferon treatment was a major barrier to treatment. 
