Hepatitis C Screening in Intravenuos Drug Users in Golpayegan, Isfahan through Community Announcement: Pilot Study

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

2 AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexual Transmitted Diseases Expert, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Health Center, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Disease Control Unit, Golpayegan ince Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

4 Technical Manager, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

5 Researcher, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

6 Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

7 Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine and Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Intravenous drug abuse is a worldwide problem with side effects as hepatitis C. Hepattis C infection, which has severe complications like cirrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a tragedy for communities; so, screening it in intravenous drug abusers has a lot of benefits. According to lack of a community based study in Isfahan, Iran, this pilot study carried out in Golpayegan city in Isfahan Province.Methods: In a cross sectional pilot study, hepatitis C in intravenous drug abusers population in Golpaygan, Isfahan was screened by community annaouncement method. After co-opperation with managers, administrative stafs and all of the stakeholders, the study population was invited to refference laboratories where blood samples were chpsen and tested for anti-HCV-Ab. The results were sent privately and patients were invited to participate in educational and treatment procedure.Finding: From 136 persons participated voluntarily, 28 were anti-HCV-Ab positive (19.8%).Conclusion: In this pilot study, 85% of estimated population was participated that is excellent experience for larger studies.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 28, Issue 0
November and December 2011
Pages 1581-1586

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 April 2011
  • Revise Date: 23 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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