Feasibility trial of psychosocial interventions for preventing BBV
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving injecting skills and preventing blood borne virus infection in people who inject drugs in the UK: A feasibility randomised control trial of a psychosocial intervention
IRAS ID
183496
Contact name
Gail Gilchrist
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN66453696
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UKCRNID 18801, NIHR portfolio registration; 53, UK CRC registration
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
In the UK, around 50% of people who inject drugs (PWID) have been infected with the Hepatitis C virus and around one in 100 has HIV. Approximately one in six have ever been infected with the Hepatitis B virus. PWID are at risk of these blood borne viruses (BBV) as a result of sharing injecting equipment (needles and syringes, water, spoons, cotton etc.) and unsafe sex. Preventing PWID from getting or passing on BBV is an important health issue. Opiate substitution therapy and needle exchanges have reduced BBV but behavioural interventions that teach people how to reduce risk behaviours could further prevent the spread of these BBV. The project has 6 phases. In Phase 1, a review of the evidence on what type of intervention works for whom will be carried out. In Phase 2, the views of 60 PWID attending needle exchanges, homeless hostels, drug treatment and harm reduction centres in England (London, Yorkshire), Scotland (Glasgow) and North Wales will be sought on what type of psychosocial interventions they would find useful and acceptable. In Phase 3, the views of 40 UK (from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) drug treatment NHS and third sector service providers and policy makers will be gathered using telephone interviews on the delivery and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions. Findings from Phases 1-3 will be used to develop a psychosocial intervention in Phase 4, the feasibility and acceptability of the psychosocial intervention will be assessed in 4 areas of the UK in Phase 5. In Phase 6, discussions with another 4-6 UK regions will take place to identify any challenges with conducting the research/ introducing the psychosocial intervention to their treatment settings in the future. Currently, ethical approval is sought for Phase 5.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0413
Date of REC Opinion
3 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion