Hepatitis C in Intravenous Drug Users: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

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 Specialist in Community Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Technical Manager, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfa-han, Iran.

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

5 AIDS, Hepatitis and Sexual Transmitted Diseases Expert, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Health Center, Isfa-han, Iran.

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

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C, as a major public health problem, has serious complications and intravenous drug users are the most high risk group for it. This study was performed to determine hepatitis C seroepidemiolgy and related risk factors among intravenous drug users in Isfahan province.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in central prison, Assadabad camp and Drop in Centers in Isfahan province were selected using census sampling method. After completion validated questionaire including demographic and risk factors by interiew, a 5 cc blood sample was obtained and HCV-Ab was detected using ELISA method.Finding: Among 1485 intravenous drug users (1457 male) with mean age of 32 ± 7 years, 644 (43.4%) were HCV-Ab positive. Not being married, tatooing, needle share, prison history, history of going to dentist and duration of intravenous drug abuse were indepenedent risk factors for hepatitis C. Also, men with men sex, sex with intravenous drug users and unprotected sex (without condom) had significant relationship with hepatitis C. Among HCV risk factors, needle share and prison history had hightest relative and attributable risks. Using ROC curve, the cut off point for duration of intravenous drug abuse was estiamted as three months.Conclusion: The main results of this study indicated high prevalence rate of hepatitis C and the major role of needle share and prison history among intravenous drug users population in Isfahan province that needs to pay attention by governments.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 28, Issue 0
November and December 2011
Pages 1537-1545

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 March 2011
  • Revise Date: 02 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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