Increasing self-efficacy to reduce injecting risk-taking behaviour in drug users on hepatitis C treatment

Background: Approximately 214,000 people are infected with hepatitis C (HCV) in the UK, with c90% of new infections occurring via injecting drug use. HCV treatment in IDUs is limited by high reinfection risk and low cost-effectiveness. Psychosocial factors (e.g. self-efficacy to refuse sharing) are associated with injecting risk-taking behaviour. Research questions: 1. Will significant differences in self-efficacy scores and injecting risk behaviour be observed between intervention and control group? 2. Will increasing self-efficacy decrease injecting risk behaviour at follow-up? Method:  The randomised controlled trial, based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, will use a volitional help sheet, using implementation intentions to increase participants’ self-efficacy to refuse sharing of injecting equipment (n=70). The control group (n=70) will receive harm reduction leaflets. Self-efficacy and injecting risk behaviour will be measured prior to the intervention, at end of treatment and at 4 weeks follow-up. The data will be tested with a mixed between-within MANOVA and with correlation analysis. Expected results: Differences in self-efficacy and injecting risk behaviour will be observed between intervention and control group and at different treatment time-points. Increases in self-efficacy are expected to be associated with a decrease in injecting risk behaviour at follow-up. Current stage of work: The intervention was designed and integrated in the ‘Eradicate’ trial’s study protocol. Data collection will commence in summer 2016 for two years. Discussion:  The feasibility of implementing Health Psychology-based behaviour change interventions targeting IDUs, to reduce injecting risk behaviour and risks of HCV infection, will be discussed in light of study findings.