Predictors and effects of alcohol use on liver function among young HCV-infected injection drug users in a behavioral intervention.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening can provide opportunities to reduce disease progression through counseling against alcohol use, but empirical data on this issue are sparse. We determined the efficacy of a behavioral intervention in reducing alcohol use among young, HCV-infected injection drug users (IDUs) (n=355) and assessed whether changes in liver enzymes were associated with changes in alcohol consumption.

Methods

Both the intervention and attention-control groups were counseled to avoid alcohol use, but the intervention group received enhanced counseling. Logistic regression, ANOVA, and continuous time Markov models were used to identify factors associated with alcohol use, changes in mean ALT and AST levels, and change in alcohol use post-interventi

SUBMITTER: Drumright LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3094600 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature