Prevalence of hepatitis C among injection drug users in England and Wales: is harm reduction working?
Hope, VD;
Judd, A;
Hickman, M;
Lamagni, T;
Hunter, G;
Stimson, GV;
Jones, S;
Donovan, L;
Parry, JV;
Gill, ON;
(2001)
Prevalence of hepatitis C among injection drug users in England and Wales: is harm reduction working?
American journal of public health, 91 (1).
pp. 38-42.
ISSN 0090-0036
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.91.1.38
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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.
