An evaluation of knowledge and concerns in women of child-bearing potential living with chronic hepatitis C infection

BACKGROUND: There is little research focused on women living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). We evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and concerns of women living with HCV of child-bearing potential. We specifically focused on pregnancy-related and child rearing issues. METHODS: Fifteen women aged 29 to 45 seen at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program between July 2017 and June 2018 consented and completed a questionnaire. Eighty percent were born in Canada. The average duration of infection was 7.2 years. RESULTS: The majority (67%-93%) of respondents reported health concerns, fear of stigma, and shame related to their HCV diagnoses. Most (80%) feared transmitting HCV to their partner. Women are more willing to seek a partner and/or have children if they are cured of HCV. HCV-specific knowledge-as it pertains to transmission risk and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) safety during pregnancy and child rearing-was suboptimal and did not correlate with education level. All participants expressed a high degree of desire to receive DAA therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Better strategies to increase HCV-specific knowledge in women of child-bearing potential are required. Efforts to increase screening and treatment access in this population are warranted.