Identifying the Hidden Population: Former Intravenous Drug Users Who Are No Longer in Contact with Services. "Ask a Friend".

ABSTRACT: People who, after a period of drug use, have changed their lifestyle and left substance use behind them are a hidden population within our communities. Lack of contact with drug services may mean that they are not tested for hepatitis C (HCV) infection through service-led initiatives and, therefore, may be exposed to the chronic morbidity and risk of death inherent with a legacy of HCV infection. This study utilized respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in a novel fashion to find those at historical risk of HCV. The social networks of people with a history of drug use were mapped, and individuals not currently in contact with services were invited to come forward for testing by members of their social network. The study used a reference group to inform study methodology and communication method

SUBMITTER: Donaldson SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7911884 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature