REALIGNING CURRENT KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACHES TO HEPATITIS C VIRUS PREVENTION AMONG A DIVERSE SAMPLE OF IMMIGRANTS IN NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA.

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus infection (HCV) disproportionately affects immigrants in Canada, particularly those that migrate from HCV endemic countries. This is an important health inequity that needs to be urgently addressed. Using qualitative research methods, this study explored the barriers and culturally relevant facilitators to HCV prevention among a diverse sample of immigrants in Nova Scotia. Study data were derived from ten immigrants who were registered clients of the Immigrant Service Association of Nova Scotia. In-depth interviews were held via Zoom and the thematic-narrative analysis was used to analyze the data. Overarching themes and subthemes emerged from analysis of the transcripts, including key findings indicating that most participants had not heard of HCV prevention services since they arrived in Nova Scotia, and none have had the opportunity to access HCV prevention services. Recommendations were offered to help provide timely, culturally relevant, and accessible HCV prevention services for immigrants in Nova Scotia.