Utilizing patient perception of group treatment in exploring medication adherence, social support, and quality of life outcomes in people who inject drugs with hepatitis C

People who inject drugs (PWID) have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Group treatment is a practical option for addressing barriers to treatment in this population. Prior research on group treatment has resulted in mixed conclusions about its effectiveness in addressing barriers to treatment. A patient's perception of the group environment may help to explain this variability. This study sought to explore the association between indicators of group treatment environment and improved outcomes in HCV-infected PWID. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial exploring different models of treatment for HCV in a PWID population consisted of 42 participants randomized to the group treatment branch of the trial. Independent variables consisted of group sessions attended and group climate constructs of engagement, conflict, and avoidance. Dependent variables consisted of medication adherence, social support, and health-related quality of life. The study implemented generalized estimating equations to assess associations with the outcomes at the end of treatment. Factors indicative of group treatment environment were related to medication adherence and other barriers to health for HCV-infected PWID: social support and health-related quality of life. Perceptions of conflict or avoidance were associated with worse outcomes, while increased session attendance was generally associated with better outcomes. The study attests to the importance of examining group environment factors during treatment interventions. Although preliminary, the study provides specific indicators of treatment success for HCV-infected PWID and practical implications to improve patients' health outcomes and better tailor treatment to the patient.