Sociodemographic risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in a prospective cohort study of 257 persons in Canada who inject drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately 60% of incident hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are due to intravenous drug use; therefore, understanding the socio-demographics of people who inject drugs (PWID) is necessary to achieve HCV elimination.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study of PWID, we determined patients' baseline HCV antibody, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HIV serological status. HCV antibody- negative (anti-HCV-negative) cases were followed for seroconversion (median 17 mo with q3m testing) as part of a larger study to develop a vaccine for HCV. An interviewer-administered baseline questionnaire completed with all patients evaluated socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

We tested 257 PWID (median age 40 [range 49-31]y, 81% men, 63% Caucasian, 28% Ind

SUBMITTER: Zietara F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9202703 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature