Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
This literature review examines how Hepatitis C (HCV) screening and care programs can better serve underserved populations, particularly Spanish-speaking rural communities in border states. The research supports the Hep C- Colonias Advancing & Restoring Esperanza (C.A.R.E) program’s mission by incorporating recent findings from 32 studies gathered through PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. Hep C C.A.R.E expanded from the HepVISTA expansion project provides HCV screening, education, vaccination and linkage to care for uninsured patients at partner sites in Laredo and Maverick County. Results indicate that while HCV elimination is feasible, significant gaps persist among rural uninsured and minority populations. Effective strategies include community, jail and pharmacy-based treatment models, telehealth, and jail-based screening. Patient navigation improves linkage to care and treatment completion yet iv barriers such as stigma limited access and inequities disrupt progress. These finding highlight the importance of culturally tailored approaches to guarantee HCV elimination and advance health equity in vulnerable populations.
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion
Publication Date
Fall 11-17-2025
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Erin Carlson
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
McCain, Caitlin A., "From Urban Models to Rural Realities: Adapting Hepatitis C (HCV) Care for Underserved Communities" (2025). 2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects. 15.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2025/15
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Comments
This project was made possible through the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Erin Carlson and the support of Amplify Community Health LLC. I am particularly appreciative of Dr. Carlson’s patience and readiness to assist me while I worked, being as inexperienced with research as I was. Additionally, I would like to thank the University of Texas at Arlington for granting me access to the studies that enabled this review. To ensure that this study represents current concerns and interventions linked to Hepatitis C care, the availability of academic resources has been crucial. Appreciation is also extended to the Hep C–Colonias Advancing & Restoring Esperanza (C.A.R.E.) Program team for their commitment to improving Hepatitis C care in underserved communities.