DOH Report Finds Earlier Death Associated with Hepatitis C
Posted on October 3, 2024, in Newsroom
Introduction
HONOLULU – In a significant revelation during Liver Cancer Awareness Month, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has published a groundbreaking report linking hepatitis C to premature deaths in the state. Titled “Premature Deaths and Disparities Associated with Hepatitis C: The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis C Mortality Report,” this comprehensive analysis of mortality data from 2000 to 2021 sheds light on the serious implications of hepatitis C infections within local communities. The findings aim to inform strategies to enhance liver health and reduce preventable fatalities.
Key Findings of the Report
This report marks the first extensive examination of hepatitis C-related mortality data in Hawaiʻi. Among its most striking findings are:
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Younger Age at Death: Individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C are dying significantly younger than the general population. Alarmingly, 88 percent of Hawaiʻi residents who succumbed to hepatitis C-related causes did not reach the age of 75, which is notably lower than the U.S. life expectancy of 77.0 years in 2021.
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Deaths Before Retirement Age: The report highlights that over 40 percent of those who died from hepatitis C-related complications did so before reaching the average retirement age of 65. In contrast, only 23 percent of deaths from all causes occur before this age, underscoring the disproportionate impact of hepatitis C on the working-age population.
- Progress and Disparities: While the report indicates that hepatitis C death rates in Hawaiʻi were lower than the national average from 2017 to 2020—2.63 deaths per 100,000 in Hawaiʻi compared to 3.45 per 100,000 in the U.S. in 2020—disparities persist. Notably, male and white residents in Hawaiʻi exhibited higher death rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Recommendations for Action
To combat the preventable deaths associated with hepatitis C, the report outlines several critical recommendations aimed at eliminating the disease in Hawaiʻi. These include:
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Universal Reflex Testing: Implementing widespread testing protocols to ensure that individuals at risk are identified and treated promptly.
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Increased Access to Curative Medications: Ensuring that effective treatments are readily available to those diagnosed with hepatitis C, thereby reducing the risk of complications and mortality.
- Enhanced Data Collection: Prioritizing population-based data collection and analysis to better understand the disease’s impact and share insights with community partners.
Commitment to Change
State Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink emphasized the preventable nature of hepatitis C-related deaths, stating, “Deaths due to hepatitis C are completely preventable. Although Hawaiʻi has made progress in reducing these deaths, people are still dying unnecessarily from a curable infection.” The DOH is dedicated to collaborating with local coalitions, such as Hep Free Hawaiʻi, to eliminate this deadly disease.
Collaborative Efforts
The development of this report was made possible through a multi-sector collaboration involving the DOH, Hep Free Hawaiʻi, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This partnership underscores the importance of collective action in addressing public health challenges.
Looking Ahead: Hep Free 2030
The findings of this report align with the “Hep Free 2030” initiative, a statewide strategy aimed at eradicating viral hepatitis in Hawaiʻi by the year 2030. This ambitious plan was developed through collaboration with Hep Free Hawaiʻi and over 160 community stakeholders, reflecting a comprehensive approach to tackling hepatitis C.
Resources for Screening and Treatment
For those seeking local resources for hepatitis C screening and treatment, the following links provide valuable information:
Conclusion
The DOH’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against hepatitis C in Hawaiʻi. By raising awareness and implementing effective strategies, the state can work towards reducing the incidence of this disease and preventing unnecessary deaths. As the community rallies together, the hope is that by 2030, Hawaiʻi will be free from the burden of hepatitis C, ensuring a healthier future for all its residents.