Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Acupuncture in Veterans with Hepatitis C: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system is the largest single provider for patients with hepatitis C (HCV) in the United States. Many individuals with HCV experience physical and psychologic symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and depression. In addition, current antiviral therapy for HCV is long (24–48 weeks) and has many potential side-effects.

Objectives:

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the acceptability, adherence, and feasibility of group acupuncture in order to inform the development of a larger randomized trial (RCT). The primary aim was to describe the experience of two groups of Veterans undergoing acupuncture for symptom management: (1) Veterans who have HCV and (2) Veterans who have HCV and were currently receiving antiviral therapy.

Materials and Methods:

This study used a prospective descriptive design that involved both quantitative and qualitative methods A total of 39 Veterans—23 in the HCV-only group and 16 in the HCV/antiviral group—were enrolled. Participants received a maximum of 16 acupuncture sessions over 8 weeks. The main outcome measures were semistructured qualitative interviews, attendance, and recruitment records.

Results

: Quantitative results. Adherence proportion for the HCV-only group was 74.5% and 69.9% for the HCV/antiviral therapy group. Qualitative results: Five themes emerged: (1) study participation; (2) barriers to attending acupuncture sessions; (3) timing of acupuncture sessions; (4) receiving acupuncture in a group setting; and (5) engagement and attitude regarding the VHA system.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that a larger RCT, using group acupuncture would be feasible and acceptable to veterans. This article proposes several design modifications for an RCT.