Testing for Hepatitis B/C and HIV in mental healthcare settings

What is it about?

We found that when people are tested for hepatitis B/C or HIV in mental health settings, the proportion testing positive was higher than that in the general population. When tested mental health settings, 54% of people testing positive were newly diagnosed with hepatitis B, 36% newly diagnosed with hepatitis C, and 8% newly diagnosed with HIV. If left untreated, these conditions can cause serious illness. We found that half of those testing positive for hepatitis C would benefit from treatment. The vast majority of people who were living with HIV were on treatment and virally suppressed (meaning they can't pass on the virus) before receiving mental healthcare. However, the rate on treatment and virally suppressed improved further after receiving mental healthcare.

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Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

Why is it important?

People with mental illness experience worse physical health than the general population. Whilst a lot of research has focused on cardiovascular health, less attention has been given to diseases like hepatitis and HIV. The UK has committed to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat and to have zero new HIV transmissions by the year 2030. To improve the physical health of people with mental illness and to aid the UK's elimination targets, opt-out testing of hepatitis and HIV in mental health settings should be considered and efforts should be made to ensure people receive care if diagnosed.