Abstract / Summary
Introduction Romanian migrants may be at increased risk of viral hepatitis because many originate from countries with intermediate or high endemicity. Targeted, culturally adapted screening strategies are therefore needed to improve case finding and prevention. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of two sequential viral hepatitis screening strategies among Romanian migrants living in Seville, Spain. Methods We conducted a two-phase opportunistic screening study. Phase 1 was a Consulate-facilitated, hospital-based program using venipuncture and comprehensive serological testing. Phase 2 was a community-based program delivered at an Orthodox church using rapid diagnostic tests. Demographic characteristics, recruitment output, serological findings, fibrosis markers, and linkage to care were recorded. Results Of the total participants ( n = 54), the number of individuals screened was higher in the community-based intervention ( n = 39) than the hospital-based program ( n = 15). Median age was 48.5 (39.5–58) years, and 74.1% were women. No active viral hepatitis infections were identified. In phase 1, 66.7% of participants (10/15) lacked hepatitis B immunity and were candidates for vaccination, while 6.7% (1/15) had non-invasive markers compatible with intermediate fibrosis and required further assessment. In phase 2, 2.6% of participants (1/39) had antibodies against hepatitis C virus with documented prior cured infection. Conclusions In this pilot study, community-based screening in a familiar religious setting appeared more productive and operationally feasible for short-term recruitment than a hospital-based approach. These findings support the feasibility of decentralized strategies to improve engagement and may inform future micro-elimination programs in migrant populations.