Current status of hepatitis C treatment and its barriers in Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
10.24171/j.phrp.2025.0516
- Author:
Ji Hyeon KANG
1
;
You Jeong MOON
;
Ung-Gyu KIM
;
Jung-Im PARK
;
Chang Hun LEE
;
In Hee KIM
;
Ju-Hyung LEE
;
Jin GWACK
Author Information
1. Division of Infectious Disease Control, Bureau of Welfare, Women’s Affairs, and Health, Jeonbuk State, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Report
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2026;17(2):188-192
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:In alignment with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating hepatitis C, this study assessed the current treatment status and reasons for non-treatment among patients with hepatitis C in Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea, to inform strategies for improving care engagement.
Methods:Among 311 individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C and reported through the NationalNotifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance system between January 2023 and June 2024, 208 patients were surveyed after excluding those who had died or could not be contacted.Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and logistic regression.
Results:Overall, 116 participants (55.8%) reported having received antiviral therapy. Among the 92 untreated individuals, the most common reason for non-treatment was the absence of symptoms (n = 23; 25.0%), followed by the burden of drug costs (n = 21; 22.8%).
Conclusion:These findings highlight suboptimal treatment uptake and key barriers that may hinder progress toward hepatitis C elimination. Expanding screening and strengthening linkage-to-care strategies, while addressing financial barriers, will be essential to achievingnational elimination targets.
