Awareness of HCV infection among persons who inject drugs in San Diego, California

Am J Public Health. 2015 Feb;105(2):302-3. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302245.

Abstract

We asked persons who inject drugs questions about HCV, including past testing and diagnosis followed by HCV testing. Of 540 participants, 145 (27%) were anti-HCV positive, but of those who were positive, only 46 (32%) knew about their infection. Asking about previous HCV testing results yielded better results than did asking about prior HCV diagnosis. Factors associated with knowing about HCV infection included older age, HIV testing, and drug treatment. Comprehensive approaches to educating and screening this population for HCV need implementation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / statistics & numerical data
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • California / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C / etiology
  • Hepatitis C / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Serologic Tests / psychology
  • Serologic Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / therapy
  • Young Adult