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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis C: a cross-sectional study of persons who inject drugs in Puerto Rico, 2018

Abstract Background People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) are at a higher risk of acquiring bloodborne infections. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in PWID and identify correlates and risk factors using data from the Puerto Rico National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Sys...

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Main Authors: Vivian Colón-López (Author), Paola M. Alvelo-Fernández (Author), Nadia Centeno-Alvarado (Author), Ivony Y. Agudelo Salas (Author), Yadira Rolón Colón (Author), María Pabón Martínez (Author), Jorge L. Rodríguez-Lebrón (Author), Juan C. Reyes-Pulliza (Author)
Format: Book
Published: BMC, 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Abstract Background People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) are at a higher risk of acquiring bloodborne infections. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in PWID and identify correlates and risk factors using data from the Puerto Rico National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, PWID cycle 5, conducted in 2018. Methods A total of 502 San Juan Metropolitan Statistical Area participants were recruited through the Respondent Driven Sampling method. Sociodemographic, health-related, and behavioral characteristics were assessed. Testing for HCV antibodies was completed after the face-to-face survey. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Overall seroprevalence of HCV was 76.5% (95% CI: 70.8-81.4%). A significantly (p < 0.05) higher HCV seroprevalence was observed among PWID with the following characteristics: heterosexuals (78.5%), high school graduates (81.3%), tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the past 12 months (86.1%), frequent speedball injection (79.4%), and knowing the HCV serostatus of the last sharing partner (95.4%). Adjusted logistic regression models showed that having completed high school and reported STI testing in the past 12 months were significantly associated with HCV infection (ORa = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.06-4.69; ORa = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.06-4.30, respectively). Conclusions We report a high seroprevalence of HCV infection in PWID. Social health disparities and potential missed opportunities validate the continuing call for local action for public health and prevention strategies.
Item Description:10.1186/s12889-023-15341-3
1471-2458

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