OBJECTIVES: This study sought to establish the prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBc) among injection drug users in England and Wales. METHODS: A voluntary cross-sectional survey collected oral fluid samples and behavioral information; 2203 injectors were recruited through drug agencies, and 758 were recruited in the community. RESULTS: Prevalence was 30% for anti-HCV, 21% for anti-HBc, and 0.9% for HIV antibodies. Anti-HCV prevalence rates were significantly greater among those with longer injecting careers, those in older age groups, those residing in London, those recruited in drug agencies, those positive for anti-HBc, and those with a previous voluntary HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HCV prevalence rates among injectors in England and Wales, where comprehensive harm reduction programs exist, are lower than rates in other industrialized countries.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to establish the prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B antibodies (anti-HBc) among injection drug users in England and Wales. METHODS: A voluntary cross-sectional survey collected oral fluid samples and behavioral information; 2203 injectors were recruited through drug agencies, and 758 were recruited in the community. RESULTS: Prevalence was 30% for anti-HCV, 21% for anti-HBc, and 0.9% for HIV antibodies. Anti-HCV prevalence rates were significantly greater among those with longer injecting careers, those in older age groups, those residing in London, those recruited in drug agencies, those positive for anti-HBc, and those with a previous voluntary HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HCV prevalence rates among injectors in England and Wales, where comprehensive harm reduction programs exist, are lower than rates in other industrialized countries.
Authors: K H Lamden; N Kennedy; N J Beeching; D Lowe; C L Morrison; H Mallinson; K J Mutton; Q Syed Journal: J Infect Date: 1998-11 Impact factor: 6.072
Authors: Charlotte H S B van den Berg; Colette Smit; Margreet Bakker; Ronald B Geskus; Ben Berkhout; Suzanne Jurriaans; Roel A Coutinho; Katja C Wolthers; Maria Prins Journal: Eur J Epidemiol Date: 2007-03-03 Impact factor: 8.082
Authors: Elijah Paintsil; Sergei V Verevochkin; Elena Dukhovlinova; Linda Niccolai; Russell Barbour; Edward White; Olga V Toussova; Louis Alexander; Andrei P Kozlov; Robert Heimer Journal: Addiction Date: 2009-08-27 Impact factor: 6.526