Decrease in active hepatitis C infection among people who use drugs in Madrid, Spain, 2017 to 2023: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundPeople who use drugs (PWUD) are a key target population to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.AimTo assess risk factors and temporal trends of active HCV infection in PWUD in Madrid, Spain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study between 2017 and 2023, including 2,264 PWUD visiting a mobile screening unit. Data about epidemiology, substance use and sexual risk behaviour were obtained through a 92-item questionnaire. HCV was detected by antibody test, followed by RNA test. The primary outcome variable was active HCV infection prevalence, calculated considering all individuals who underwent RNA testing and analysed by logistic regression adjusted by the main risk factors.ResultsOf all participants, 685 tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and 605 underwent

SUBMITTER: Ryan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11258947 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature