A national cross-sectional study among drug-users in France: epidemiology of HCV and highlight on practical and statistical aspects of the design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epidemiology of HCV infection among drug users (DUs) has been widely studied. Prevalence and sociobehavioural data among DUs are therefore available in most countries but no study has taken into account in the sampling weights one important aspect of the way of life of DUs, namely that they can use one or more specialized services during the study period. In 2004-2005, we conducted a national seroepidemiologic survey of DUs, based on a random sampling design using the Generalised Weight Share Method (GWSM) and on blood testing.

Methods

A cross-sectional multicenter survey was done among DUs having injected or snorted drugs at least once in their life. We conducted a two stage random survey of DUs selected to represent the diversity of drug use. The fact that DUs c

SUBMITTER: Jauffret-Roustide M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2733898 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature