Help with research into hepatitis C

The research

  • ICECREAM stands for Interventions to Curb hEpatitis C REinfections Among Men who have sex with men.
  • A previous Dutch study found that gay and bisexual men with a prior hepatitis C infection have approximately a 25-30% chance of becoming reinfected within two years.
  • This research focuses on reducing the risk of hepatitis C re-infections.
  • The ICECREAM study is a research project designed by the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam).

Goal

The goal of the study is to reduce the risk of hepatitis C reinfection and to counteract the spread of the infection. In this study, we will evaluate the following interventions:

If you are assigned to the 'online support', you will receive access to the online tool. The tool aims to offer you support in reducing the risk of hepatitis C infection. For example, the tool will consist of videos and a personalized advice based on your answers to the questionnaire. In addition, you will have the option to develop a personalized plan to reduce the chance of hepatitis C reinfection. The online support tool consists of four modules, which can be completed at your own pace using a computer or mobile phone. It will take you at least 30 minutes to go through all the modules.
If you are assigned to the 'additional testing', you will receive four free-of-charge home-based hepatitis C tests. This test is an RNA test, which means it checks your blood for particles of the hepatitis C virus. You can take the test at home by pricking your finger to get a blood sample, which you then post to a laboratory at no cost. Detailed written information about how you can use the test correctly are sent along with the test kits. Within two weeks you will be notified about the results by email. In case of a reinfection, we will also contact you by phone.
If you are assigned to the "online support and additional testing", you will receive both interventions simultaneously.
THE GOAL OF THIS RESEARCH IS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HEPATITIS C REINFECTIONS.

What can you expect from this research?

Questionnaires

You will be asked to fill out a total of five online questionnaires, with an interval of six months: at study entry and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Completing the questionnaire will take you approximately 15-30 minutes per questionnaire. The first questionnaire will take a little bit longer than the other questionnaires.

Interventions

The first 6 months you will receive no intervention. After completing the second questionnaire (after 6 months) a randomization will determine which intervention(s) will be offered to you:

  • 1/3 of the participants will be offered the online support tool.
  • 1/3 of the participants will be offered additional testing.
  • 1/3 of the participants will be offered both interventions.

Research timeline

Timeline ICECREAM study Timeline ICECREAM study

Questions?

Please contact the research team via ICECREAM@ggd.amsterdam.nl.

Instructions