Grant: Doctoral Research Award - Priority Announcement - HIV/AIDS and/or STBBI

Despite advances in prevention, care and treatment, many people around the world and in Canada suffer from bloodborne infections (BBIs) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These infections are not only directly linked to detrimental health outcomes, but are also linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. The advance in infection care and management has prolonged the life expectancy of people with chronic infections, and in turn, they are now at higher risk of other chronic diseases and complications. Social and health conditions can also accelerate disease progression in people living with BBIs. Currently, the knowledge on the impact of these infections on chronic diseases is limited. The evidence is especially scarce in population-based data accounting for other health, social and environmental factors. This project aims to study the impact of HBV, HCV and HIV mono- and co-infections on diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases, accounting for social and health conditions. Furthermore, new highly effective and well-tolerated drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents are expected to provide a protective effect in people living with chronic hepatitis C. The project will look at the real-world impact of this drug on reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This study will use a large population-based data including over 2 million individuals tested for HBV, HCV and HIV in British Columbia (BC), BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort. The cohort is linked with other databases such as chronic disease registry, medical visits, hospitalizations, drug prescriptions and vital statistics. Using this data will allow a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chronic HBV, HCV and HIV infections. Ultimately, the findings of this study will help to create targeted care and disease management strategies for people living with chronic infections.