Australian Hepatitis and Risk Survey in Prisons

The Australian Hepatitis and risk survey in prisons (AusHep) is a national prison-based blood-borne virus (BBV) surveillance study. This biobehavioural survey involves point-of-care testing for hepatitis C (HCV) antibodies and RNA (if antibody positive), hepatitis B surface antigens, hepatitis B surface antibodies, and HIV surface antibodies, and an interview-style survey on prior testing and treatment history and engagement in risk behaviours. The study will recruit approximately 2400 prisoner participants from 25 representative prisons across Australia, annually.