Abstract
Overview of Key Findings
Low Screening Rates: Only about 35–36% of respondents reported ever being tested for HCV, while more than 60% had never been screened. The most common reasons for not testing were believing they were not at risk and never receiving a provider recommendation
Knowledge Gaps: Although nearly all participants (≈98%) had heard of HCV, 65–67% had never heard of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and did not know HCV was curable
Generational Risk Awareness: About one-quarter of untested participants were from the Baby Boomer generation, a population at increased risk according to CDC guidelines
Perceived Stigma: Roughly 75% of HCV-positive participants and two-thirds of HCV-negative/unknown participants believed people with HCV would be treated differently if they disclosed their status, and nearly 70% believed shame keeps people from seeking treatment
Health Perception: A majority (≈80–83%) reported their health as excellent, very good, or good, and this correlated with lower perceived risk of infection