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Jauffret-Roustide M. Reprint of: Monitoring HIV, HCV and HBV among people who use drugs in France. A reflective feed-back on a 25-year experiment based on mixed methods. The ANRS-Coquelicot survey. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2025:104727. [PMID: 39984380 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2025]
Abstract
The ANRS-Coquelicot survey has been carried out in France for 25 years, to monitor trends in infectious diseases (HIV and hepatitis B and C) among people who use drugs. In this article, we propose to open the black box of this monitoring experience, by describing and analysing some methodological, ethical and political issues involved in this type of survey. The ANRS-Coquelicot survey has carried out on five occasions in France (from 2002 to 2023) in several cities (from 1 to 27) among people who use drugs recruited in a large diversity of services including drug treatment centres, harm reduction facilities, residential services as well as outreach teams. The survey design included a Time Location Sampling combined with the Generalized Weight Share Method and was guided by a previous anthropological survey. Over time, some methodological challenges have been addressed such as convincing harm reduction providers and drug treatment professionals to welcome this sero-prevalence survey that was first envisioned as a form social control of people who use drugs as well as an evaluation of their professional practices. The implementation of a previous socio-anthropological phase played a major role in favouring the acceptability of the survey as well as in the improvement of the quantitative methodology for choosing the most adequate methodological tools for measuring risk exposure as well as allowing participants room to promote their experiences of the survey through self-narration. Conducting sero-prevalence surveys among time is a way to produce scientific knowledge but can also inform drug policies in order to enable more favourable environments for people who use drugs. This article is an opportunity to show the richness of surveillance surveys and how they can both produce new knowledge and be the subject of innovative methodological developments, as well as enabling the evaluation and orientation of harm reduction policies over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Centre d'études des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR 8044/EHESS), 54 bd Raspail, 75006 Paris, France.
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Jauffret-Roustide M. Monitoring HIV, HCV and HBV among people who use drugs in France. A reflective feed-back on a 25-year experiment based on mixed methods. The ANRS-Coquelicot survey. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 136:104690. [PMID: 39740356 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
The ANRS-Coquelicot survey has been carried out in France for 25 years, to monitor trends in infectious diseases (HIV and hepatitis B and C) among people who use drugs. In this article, we propose to open the black box of this monitoring experience, by describing and analysing some methodological, ethical and political issues involved in this type of survey. The ANRS-Coquelicot survey has carried out on five occasions in France (from 2002 to 2024) in several cities (from 1 to 27) among people who use drugs recruited in a large diversity of services including drug treatment centres, harm reduction facilities, residential services as well as outreach teams. The survey design included a Time Location Sampling combined with the Generalized Weight Share Method and was guided by a previous anthropological survey. Over time, some methodological challenges have been addressed such as convincing harm reduction providers and drug treatment professionals to welcome this sero-prevalence survey that was first envisioned as a form social control of people who use drugs as well as an evaluation of their professional practices. The implementation of a previous socio-anthropological phase played a major role in favouring the acceptability of the survey as well as in the improvement of the quantitative methodology for choosing the most adequate methodological tools for measuring risk exposure as well as allowing participants room to promote their experiences of the survey through self-narration. Conducting sero-prevalence surveys among time is a way to produce scientific knowledge but can also inform drug policies in order to enable more favourable environments for people who use drugs. This article is an opportunity to show the richness of surveillance surveys and how they can both produce new knowledge and be the subject of innovative methodological developments, as well as enabling the evaluation and orientation of harm reduction policies over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Centre d'études des Mouvements Sociaux (Inserm U1276/CNRS UMR 8044/EHESS), 54 bd Raspail, 75006 Paris, France.
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Lee E, Piñeros J, Williams LD, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Molina Y, Boodram B. Network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing among Latinx and White non-Latinx people who inject drugs. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024; 23:1080-1099. [PMID: 36853193 PMCID: PMC10460831 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2023.2181259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) are less likely to engage in injection equipment sharing, but are more vulnerable to injection drug use (IDU)-related morbidity and mortality than Whites. Identifying subgroups of Latinx PWID who do engage in equipment sharing and likely bear the brunt of this health burden is a priority. Ethnic disparities may reflect contextual drivers, including injection networks. Latinx PWID with low ethnic homophily (the proportion of individuals with the same ethnic background) may be more likely to share equipment due to forced distancing from health-protective ethnocultural resources and power imbalances within injection networks. The current study offers a framework and examines how associations between network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing differ among 74 Latinx and 170 non-Latinx White PWID in the Chicagoland area (N = 244). Latinx had less homophilous than non-Latinx Whites (p <.001). Ethnic homophily was protective for equipment sharing among Latinx (OR = 0.17, 95%CI [0.77, 0.04], p = .02), but not non-Latinx Whites (OR = 1.66, 95%CI [0.40, 6.93], p = .49). Our findings implicate the need for targeted cultured interventions that focus on Latinx PWID who are more vulnerable to morbidity and mortality, potentially due to less access to ethnic peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Lee
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Juliet Piñeros
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Leslie D. Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mary-Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yamilé Molina
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
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Artenie A, Stone J, Fraser H, Stewart D, Arum C, Lim AG, McNaughton AL, Trickey A, Ward Z, Abramovitz D, Alary M, Astemborski J, Bruneau J, Clipman SJ, Coffin CS, Croxford S, DeBeck K, Emanuel E, Hayashi K, Hermez JG, Low-Beer D, Luhmann N, Macphail G, Maher L, Palmateer NE, Patel EU, Sacks-Davis R, Van Den Boom W, van Santen DK, Walker JG, Hickman M, Vickerman P. Incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs, and associations with age and sex or gender: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:533-552. [PMID: 36996853 PMCID: PMC10817215 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring the incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) is key to track progress towards elimination. We aimed to summarise global data on HIV and primary HCV incidence among PWID and associations with age and sex or gender. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated an existing database of HIV and HCV incidence studies among PWID by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO, capturing studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 12, 2022, with no language or study design restrictions. We contacted authors of identified studies for unpublished or updated data. We included studies that estimated incidence by longitudinally re-testing people at risk of infection or by using assays for recent infection. We pooled incidence and relative risk (RR; young [generally defined as ≤25 years] vs older PWID; women vs men) estimates using random-effects meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020220884. FINDINGS Our updated search identified 9493 publications, of which 211 were eligible for full-text review. An additional 377 full-text records from our existing database and five records identified through cross-referencing were assessed. Including 28 unpublished records, 125 records met the inclusion criteria. We identified 64 estimates of HIV incidence (30 from high-income countries [HICs] and 34 from low-income or middle-income countries [LMICs]) and 66 estimates of HCV incidence (52 from HICs and 14 from LMICs). 41 (64%) of 64 HIV and 42 (64%) of 66 HCV estimates were from single cities rather than being multi-city or nationwide. Estimates were measured over 1987-2021 for HIV and 1992-2021 for HCV. Pooled HIV incidence was 1·7 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1·3-2·3; I2=98·4%) and pooled HCV incidence was 12·1 per 100 person-years (10·0-14·6; I2=97·2%). Young PWID had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8; I2=66·9%) and HCV (1·5, 1·3-1·8; I2=70·6%) acquisition than older PWID. Women had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·4, 95% CI 1·1-1·6; I2=55·3%) and HCV (1·2, 1·1-1·3; I2=43·3%) acquisition than men. For both HIV and HCV, the median risk-of-bias score was 6 (IQR 6-7), indicating moderate risk. INTERPRETATION Although sparse, available HIV and HCV incidence estimates offer insights into global levels of HIV and HCV transmission among PWID. Intensified efforts are needed to keep track of the HIV and HCV epidemics among PWID and to expand access to age-appropriate and gender-appropriate prevention services that serve young PWID and women who inject drugs. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé, Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Artenie
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daniel Stewart
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Public Health Speciality Training Programme, South West, Bristol, UK
| | - Chiedozie Arum
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anna L McNaughton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Michel Alary
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Département de Médecine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Steven J Clipman
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sara Croxford
- Public Health and Clinical Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kora DeBeck
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Emanuel
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Daniel Low-Beer
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Macphail
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Infectious Diseases, CUPS Liver Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Norah E Palmateer
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Josephine G Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Ward JW, Wanlapakorn N, Poovorawan Y, Shouval D. Hepatitis B Vaccines. PLOTKIN'S VACCINES 2023:389-432.e21. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-79058-1.00027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
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SEROPREVALENCE OF HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV IN PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN AN AMATEM CLINIC IN EASTERN TURKIYE: A SIX-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.1189072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim
Substance abuse and concomitant infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Yet, the number of epidemiological studies regarding infectious diseases in people with substance abuse are limited in our country. In this study, the aim was to investigate the frequency of illegal alcohol and substance use in an Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Centres (AMATEM) clinic in Turkey as well as the HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV parameters between the years of 2016-2021.
Material and Method
HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV tests were conducted using the ELISA technique in 6881 alcohol and substance use disorder (ASUD). Urine samples from ASUD’s were analyzed for alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine metabolites. The results were evaluated retrospectively.
Results
All of the 6881 ASUD’s were male with a mean age of 32.18±9.66 years. Of the 6881 ASUD’s included in the study, 4107 (59.7%) were opioid addicts; 1479 (21.5%) were mixed drug addicts; 897 (13%) were alcohol addicts; and the rest were addicts with other types of substance use. The mean age of the alcohol users was 45.33±13.03 and the mean age of opioid users was 29.90±7.13. The percentage of opioid addiction in 2016 was 71.2% which dropped to 28.7% in 2021. Meanwhile, the percentage of alcohol addiction was 13.6% in 2016 and increased to 21.4% in 2021; and the percentage of mixed drug use was 8.7% in 2016 and increased to 36.8% in 2021. HBsAg-positivity in opioid users (56.7%) was higher compared to cannabis users (2.6%) and mixed drug users (22.3%). Anti-HCV positivity of opioid users (69.4%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.4%), cannabis (2%), and mixed drug (16.2%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HBs positivity of opioid users (63.1%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.9%), cannabis (3%), and mixed drug (21%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HIV was determined negative in all ASUD’s. The highest rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBs positivity were found in the 26-30 years of age.
Conclusion
These findings indicate a high prevalence of intravenous substance abuse in the 26-30 years age group in our region as well as the high HBV and HCV rates in this patient group.
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El Ibrahimi S, Hallvik S, Johnston K, Leichtling G, Korthuis PT, Chan B, Hartung DM. Characteristics and health care events of patients admitted to treatment for both heroin and methamphetamine compared to patients admitted for heroin only. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 132:108615. [PMID: 34600772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Co-occurring heroin and methamphetamine use is a growing public health problem. This study assessed the characteristics of Medicaid patients admitted to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs for heroin and methamphetamine use compared with patients admitted for heroin only. METHODS The study identified patients who entered treatment for heroin and methamphetamine and those admitted for heroin only between 2014 and 2017 from the Oregon Treatment Episode Data Set linked with Medicaid enrollment, and medical and pharmacy claims. We used a cross-sectional design to compare demographics, type of treatment, and substance use characteristics between the two groups. We used logistic regression models to assess differences in the odds of opioid-related and all-cause adverse events. RESULTS Among the 3802 study sample, 2004 (53%) were admitted for both heroin and methamphetamine use. The heroin and methamphetamine group were more likely to be younger, female, White or American Indian/Alaska Native; and had more comorbidities than patients admitted for heroin only. Patients admitted for heroin and methamphetamine treatment were less likely to receive any medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (56% vs 75%, p < 0.001) and received fewer days of MOUD treatment (mean 188 vs. 265 days, p < 0.001) compared to the heroin only group. The heroin and methamphetamine group were more likely to receive buprenorphine (28.1% vs 24.2%) and less likely to receive methadone (39.9% vs 62.5%). The heroin and methamphetamine group began use at a younger age, used and injected more frequently than those admitted for heroin only. Patients treated for heroin and methamphetamine had 17% lower odds of OUD-related adverse events (aOR 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.99) and 52% higher odds of all-cause adverse events (aOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.14-2.03) relative to the heroin only group. CONCLUSION Patients admitted for both heroin and methamphetamine reported greater addiction severity (more frequent use, earlier onset of use, and injection use), yet less commonly received MOUD compared to those who were admitted for heroin only. These findings indicate substantial missed opportunities for MOUD treatment even among people who successfully engage with the SUD treatment system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae El Ibrahimi
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St. #1700, Portland, OR 97232, USA; University of Nevada, Las Vegas/School of Public Health, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
| | - Sara Hallvik
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St. #1700, Portland, OR 97232, USA.
| | - Kirbee Johnston
- Oregon Health & Science University/Section of Addiction Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | | - P Todd Korthuis
- Oregon Health & Science University/Section of Addiction Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Brian Chan
- Oregon Health & Science University/Section of Addiction Medicine, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Daniel M Hartung
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, 1601 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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PARK JUNYEONG, ROUHANI SABA, BELETSKY LEO, VINCENT LOUISE, SALONER BRENDAN, SHERMAN SUSANG. Situating the Continuum of Overdose Risk in the Social Determinants of Health: A New Conceptual Framework. Milbank Q 2020; 98:700-746. [PMID: 32808709 PMCID: PMC7482387 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Policy Points This article reconceptualizes our understanding of the opioid epidemic and proposes six strategies that address the epidemic's social roots. In order to successfully reduce drug-related mortality over the long term, policymakers and public health leaders should develop partnerships with people who use drugs, incorporate harm reduction interventions, and reverse decades of drug criminalization policies. CONTEXT Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. Synthetic opioids, predominantly illicit fentanyl and its analogs, surpassed prescription opioids and heroin in associated mortality rates in 2016. Unfortunately, interventions fail to fully address the current wave of the opioid epidemic and often omit the voices of people with lived experiences regarding drug use. Every overdose death is a culmination of a long series of policy failures and lost opportunities for harm reduction. METHODS In this article, we conducted a scoping review of the opioid literature to propose a novel framework designed to foreground social determinants more directly into our understanding of this national emergency. The "continuum of overdose risk" framework is our synthesis of the global evidence base and is grounded in contemporary theories, models, and policies that have been successfully applied both domestically and internationally. FINDINGS De-escalating overdose risk in the long term will require scaling up innovative and comprehensive solutions that have been designed through partnerships with people who use drugs and are rooted in harm reduction. CONCLUSIONS Without recognizing the full drug-use continuum and the role of social determinants, the current responses to drug overdose will continue to aggravate the problem they are trying to solve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - LEO BELETSKY
- School of Law and Bouvé College of Health SciencesNortheastern University
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Meylakhs P, Friedman SR, Meylakhs A, Mateu-Gelabert P, Ompad DC, Alieva A, Dmitrieva A. A New Generation of Drug Users in St. Petersburg, Russia? HIV, HCV, and Overdose Risks in a Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of Young Hard Drug Users. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3350-3365. [PMID: 30989555 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02489-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Russia has a widespread injection drug use epidemic with high prevalence of HIV and HCV among people who inject drugs (PWID). We conducted a mixed methods study of young (age 18-26) hard drug users in St. Petersburg. Thirty-nine structured and 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted. No HIV cases and two HCV cases were detected among the PWID subsample (n = 29). Amphetamine and other stimulants were common (70%), opioid use was rare and episodic. Consistent condom use was 10%. No PWID reported syringe-sharing, 51% reported other drug paraphernalia sharing. Most (89%) never or rarely communicated with older (30 +) opiate users. A new cohort of drug users in St. Petersburg may have emerged, which is much safer in its injection practices compared to previous cohorts. However, risky sexual practices among this new cohort may expose them to the possibility of sexual transmission of HIV and widespread drug paraphernalia sharing to the HCV epidemic.
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Hackman J, Falade-Nwulia O, Patel EU, Mehta SH, Kirk GD, Astemborski J, Ray SC, Thomas DL, Laeyendecker O. Correlates of hepatitis C viral clustering among people who inject drugs in Baltimore. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 77:104078. [PMID: 31669367 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This study examines correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genetic clustering among community-recruited people who inject drugs enrolled in the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience cohort in Baltimore between 1988 and 1989. HCV RNA was extracted and the core/envelope-1 region was sequenced. Clusters were identified from maximum likelihood trees with 1000 bootstrap replicates using a 70% aLRT and a 4% genetic-distance threshold in Cluster Picker. Overall, 46% of participants were in a cluster, including 122 genotype-1a and 36 genotype-1b clusters with an average of 2-3 genetically linked HCV infections. The largest cluster consists of 9 participants. In univariable analysis, black race (PR = 1.66 [95% CI: 1.12-2.45]), age <35 years (PR = 1.18 [95% CI: 1.02-1.37]), and injection drug use of cocaine alone (PR = 1.30 [95% CI: 1.02-1.65]) were significantly associated with being in a cluster. Conversely, a history of medication-associated treatment (MAT) was negatively associated with being in a cluster (PR = 0.82 [95% CI: 0.71-0.95]). In multivariable analysis, black race (APR = 1.62 [95% CI: 1.11-2.38]) remained independently associated being in a cluster while MAT (APR = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.74-0.99]) remained negatively associated with clustering. Our findings suggest strong locally-propagated transmission networks during the early epidemic that was driven by younger PWID. In light of the current opioid epidemic in the US, these findings suggest an urgent need for preventive interventions to mitigate the growth of large HCV transmission networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada Hackman
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Stuart C Ray
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - David L Thomas
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
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11
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Phillips KG, Ranganath NK, Malas J, Lonze BE, Gidea CG, Smith DE, Kon ZN, Reyentovich A, Moazami N. Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Heart Transplantation: Donor Characteristics and Organ Discard. Ann Thorac Surg 2019; 108:1133-1139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Ramachandran S, Thai H, Forbi JC, Galang RR, Dimitrova Z, Xia GL, Lin Y, Punkova LT, Pontones PR, Gentry J, Blosser SJ, Lovchik J, Switzer WM, Teshale E, Peters P, Ward J, Khudyakov Y. A large HCV transmission network enabled a fast-growing HIV outbreak in rural Indiana, 2015. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:374-381. [PMID: 30448155 PMCID: PMC6284413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A high prevalence (92.3%) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among HIV patients identified during a large HIV outbreak associated with injection of oxymorphone in Indiana prompted genetic analysis of HCV strains. Methods Molecular epidemiological analysis of HCV-positive samples included genotyping, sampling intra-host HVR1 variants by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and constructing transmission networks using Global Hepatitis Outbreak and Surveillance Technology (GHOST). Findings Results from the 492 samples indicate predominance of HCV genotypes 1a (72.2%) and 3a (20.4%), and existence of 2 major endemic NS5B clusters involving 49.8% of the sequenced strains. Among 76 HIV co-infected patients, 60.5% segregated into 2 endemic clusters. NGS analyses of 281 cases identified 826,917 unique HVR1 sequences and 51 cases of mixed subtype/genotype infections. GHOST mapped 23 transmission clusters. One large cluster (n = 130) included 50 cases infected with ≥2 subtypes/genotypes and 43 cases co-infected with HIV. Rapid strain replacement and superinfection with different strains were found among 7 of 12 cases who were followed up. Interpretation GHOST enabled mapping of HCV transmission networks among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Findings of numerous transmission clusters, mixed-genotype infections and rapid succession of infections with different HCV strains indicate a high rate of HCV spread. Co-localization of HIV co-infected patients in the major HCV clusters suggests that HIV dissemination was enabled by existing HCV transmission networks that likely perpetuated HCV in the community for years. Identification of transmission networks is an important step to guiding efficient public health interventions for preventing and interrupting HCV and HIV transmission among PWID. Fund US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US state and local public health departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumathi Ramachandran
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA.
| | - Hong Thai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Joseph C Forbi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Romeo Regi Galang
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zoya Dimitrova
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Guo-Liang Xia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Yulin Lin
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Lili T Punkova
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - William M Switzer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, USA
| | - Eyasu Teshale
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Philip Peters
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, USA
| | - John Ward
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
| | - Yury Khudyakov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Molecular Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Division of Viral hepatitis, USA
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Mirzazadeh A, Evans JL, Hahn JA, Jain J, Briceno A, Shiboski S, Lum PJ, Bentsen C, Davis G, Shriver K, Dimapasoc M, Stone M, Busch MP, Page K. Continued Transmission of HIV Among Young Adults Who Inject Drugs in San Francisco: Still Room for Improvement. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1383-1394. [PMID: 29168067 PMCID: PMC6054135 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We measured HIV incidence rate, trend and risk factors in 564 HIV-negative young people (< 30 years) who inject drugs (PWID) in San Francisco between 2000 and 2014. HIV incidence was 0.93/100 person-years (PY; 95% CI 0.50, 1.73). Incidence varied between 0.62/100 PY in 2000-2002 and 1.06/100 PY in 2012-2014 (P for trend = 1.0). HIV incidence varied significantly (P < 0.01) by race/ethnicity: among Hispanics it was 8.19/100 PY (95% CI 3.41, 19.68), African-Americans 4.59/100 PY (95% CI 1.15, 18.37), and Whites 0.26/100 PY (95% CI 0.06, 1.03). Male participants who reported sex with men (MSM) had higher HIV incidence (2.63/100 PY; 95% CI 1.31, 5.25) compared to males who did not report MSM (0.50/100 PY; 95% CI 0.12, 1.99) (P = 0.01). Despite an overall stable HIV incidence trend, incidence was elevated among African-American and Hispanic PWID, and men who have sex with men. Addressing prevention needs in these key populations is critical for the goal of eliminating HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Jain
- Department of Global Public Health and Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alya Briceno
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Stephen Shiboski
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, Building 80, Ward 84, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Paula J Lum
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mars Stone
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael P Busch
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Des Jarlais DC, Cooper HLF, Arasteh K, Feelemyer J, McKnight C, Ross Z. Potential geographic "hotspots" for drug-injection related transmission of HIV and HCV and for initiation into injecting drug use in New York City, 2011-2015, with implications for the current opioid epidemic in the US. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194799. [PMID: 29596464 PMCID: PMC5875800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We identified potential geographic "hotspots" for drug-injecting transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in New York City. The HIV epidemic among PWID is currently in an "end of the epidemic" stage, while HCV is in a continuing, high prevalence (> 50%) stage. METHODS We recruited 910 PWID entering Mount Sinai Beth Israel substance use treatment programs from 2011-2015. Structured interviews and HIV/ HCV testing were conducted. Residential ZIP codes were used as geographic units of analysis. Potential "hotspots" for HIV and HCV transmission were defined as 1) having relatively large numbers of PWID 2) having 2 or more HIV (or HCV) seropositive PWID reporting transmission risk-passing on used syringes to others, and 3) having 2 or more HIV (or HCV) seronegative PWID reporting acquisition risk-injecting with previously used needles/syringes. Hotspots for injecting drug use initiation were defined as ZIP codes with 5 or more persons who began injecting within the previous 6 years. RESULTS Among PWID, 96% injected heroin, 81% male, 34% White, 15% African-American, 47% Latinx, mean age 40 (SD = 10), 7% HIV seropositive, 62% HCV seropositive. Participants resided in 234 ZIP codes. No ZIP codes were identified as potential hotspots due to small numbers of HIV seropositive PWID reporting transmission risk. Four ZIP codes were identified as potential hotspots for HCV transmission. 12 ZIP codes identified as hotspots for injecting drug use initiation. DISCUSSION For HIV, the lack of potential hotspots is further validation of widespread effectiveness of efforts to reduce injecting-related HIV transmission. Injecting-related HIV transmission is likely to be a rare, random event. HCV prevention efforts should include focus on potential hotspots for transmission and on hotspots for initiation into injecting drug use. We consider application of methods for the current opioid epidemic in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. C. Des Jarlais
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - H. L. F. Cooper
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - K. Arasteh
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - J. Feelemyer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - C. McKnight
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Z. Ross
- ZevRoss Spatial Analysis, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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16
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Wenz B, Nielsen S, Gassowski M, Santos-Hövener C, Cai W, Ross RS, Bock CT, Ratsch BA, Kücherer C, Bannert N, Bremer V, Hamouda O, Marcus U, Zimmermann R. High variability of HIV and HCV seroprevalence and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs: results from a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in eight German cities (2011-14). BMC Public Health 2016; 16:927. [PMID: 27595567 PMCID: PMC5011883 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) due to sharing injection paraphernalia and unprotected sex. To generate seroprevalence data on HIV and HCV among PWID and related data on risk behaviour, a multicentre sero- and behavioural survey using respondent driven sampling (RDS) was conducted in eight German cities between 2011 and 2014. We also evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of RDS for recruiting PWID in the study cities. METHODS Eligible for participation were people who had injected drugs within the last 12 months, were 16 years or older, and who consumed in one of the study cities. Participants were recruited, using low-threshold drop-in facilities as study sites. Initial seeds were selected to represent various sub-groups of people who inject drugs (PWID). Participants completed a face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire about socio-demographics, sexual and injecting risk behaviours, as well as the utilisation of health services. Capillary blood samples were collected as dried blood spots and were anonymously tested for serological and molecular markers of HIV and HCV. The results are shown as range of proportions (min. and max. values (%)) in the respective study cities. For evaluation of the sampling method we applied criteria from the STROBE guidelines. RESULTS Overall, 2,077 PWID were recruited. The range of age medians was 29-41 years, 18.5-35.3 % of participants were female, and 9.2-30.6 % were foreign born. Median time span since first injection were 10-18 years. Injecting during the last 30 days was reported by 76.0-88.4 % of participants. Sharing needle/syringes (last 30 days) ranged between 4.7 and 22.3 %, while sharing unsterile paraphernalia (spoon, filter, water, last 30 days) was reported by 33.0-43.8 %. A majority of participants (72.8-85.8 %) reported incarceration at least once, and 17.8-39.8 % had injected while incarcerated. Between 30.8 and 66.2 % were currently in opioid substitution therapy. Unweighted HIV seroprevalence ranged from 0-9.1 %, HCV from 42.3-75.0 %, and HCV-RNA from 23.1-54.0 %. The implementation of RDS as a recruiting method in cooperation with low-threshold drop in facilities was well accepted by both staff and PWID. We reached our targeted sample size in seven of eight cities. CONCLUSIONS In the recruited sample of mostly current injectors with a long duration of injecting drug use, seroprevalence for HIV and HCV varied greatly between the city samples. HCV was endemic among participants in all city samples. Our results demonstrate the necessity of intensified prevention strategies for blood-borne infections among PWID in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wenz
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stine Nielsen
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martyna Gassowski
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Santos-Hövener
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wei Cai
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - R. Stefan Ross
- Institute of Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis C, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Boris-Alexander Ratsch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kücherer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for HIV and other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division for HIV and other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Osamah Hamouda
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Marcus
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ruth Zimmermann
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Division for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Hepatitis C virus and HIV seroprevalences, sociodemographic characteristics, behaviors and access to syringes among drug users, a comparison of geographical areas in France, ANRS-Coquelicot 2011 survey. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2016; 64:301-12. [PMID: 26904917 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use drugs (PWUDs) are at a high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but they have different characteristics depending on the local context. In France, seroprevalence, sociodemographic, and behavior information have only been studied at a national level rather than at a local level. The aim of this study was to describe and examine profile and drug use practice differences in seven French cities and departments and to assess whether these differences can explain HCV and HIV seroprevalence variations between French geographical areas. METHODS Data were collected from the cross-sectional ANRS-Coquelicot survey conducted for the second time in 2011 among drug users having injected or snorted drugs at least once in their life. Professional interviewers administrated a face-to-face questionnaire in six different areas in France: Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg and the Seine-Saint-Denis department (Paris suburbs). Participants were asked to self-collect a fingerpick blood sample in order to search for the presence of anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies and to estimate seroprevalence in PWUDs. RESULTS Overall, HCV and HIV seroprevalence was 44% [95% CI: 39.6-47.9] and 10% [95% CI: 7.5-12.6] respectively. The highest HCV seroprevalence was 56% in Marseille and the lowest was 24% in Bordeaux and for HIV the highest was 18% in Seine-Saint-Denis and the lowest was 0% in Lille. The population's age differed between areas and could mostly explain HCV seroprevalence variation but not exclusively. Profiles and practices, different in each area, can also explain this variation. In multivariate analysis, HCV seroprevalence was lower in Bordeaux (prevalence ratio [PR]=0.64), Strasbourg (PR=0.76), and Seine-Saint-Denis (PR=0.8) than in Paris. Nearly one-third of injectors declared having had difficulties to obtain syringes in the 6 previous months, but disparities existed between areas. CONCLUSION HCV risk exposure in PWUDs remains high in France and varies between different areas. Innovative harm reduction strategies including educative programs about safe injecting and supervised consumption rooms need to be developed.
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Hernández D, Feaster DJ, Gooden L, Douaihy A, Mandler R, Erickson SJ, Kyle T, Haynes L, Schwartz R, Das M, Metsch L. Self-Reported HIV and HCV Screening Rates and Serostatus Among Substance Abuse Treatment Patients. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:204-14. [PMID: 25952768 PMCID: PMC4637257 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Substance users are at increased risk for HIV and HCV infection. Still, many substance use treatment programs (SUTP) fail to offer HIV/HCV testing. The present secondary analysis of screening data from a multi-site randomized trial of rapid HIV testing examines self-reported HIV/HCV testing patterns and serostatus of 2473 SUTP patients in 12 community-based sites that had not previously offered on-site testing. Results indicate that most respondents screened for the randomized trial tested more than a year prior to intake for HIV (52 %) and HCV (38 %). Prevalence rates were 3.6 and 30 % for HIV and HCV, respectively. The majority of participants that were HIV (52.2 %) and HCV-positive (40.5 %) reported having been diagnosed within the last 1-5 years. Multivariable logistic regression showed that members of high-risk groups were more likely to have tested. Bundled HIV/HCV testing and linkage to care issues are recommended for expanding testing in community-based SUTP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hernández
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | | | - Lauren Gooden
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Antoine Douaihy
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Raul Mandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah J Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Tiffany Kyle
- The Center for Drug Free Living, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Louise Haynes
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Moupali Das
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lisa Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, Rm 934, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Todd CS, Nasir A, Stanekzai MR, Fiekert K, Sipsma HL, Vlahov D, Strathdee SA. Hepatitis C and HIV incidence and harm reduction program use in a conflict setting: an observational cohort of injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan. Harm Reduct J 2015; 12:22. [PMID: 26472126 PMCID: PMC4608295 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-015-0056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Armed conflict may increase the risk of HIV and other pathogens among injecting drug users (IDUs); however, there are few prospective studies. This study aimed to measure incidence and potential predictors, including environmental events and needle and syringe distribution and collection program (NSP) use, of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV among IDUs in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods Consenting adult IDUs completed interviews quarterly in year 1 and semi-annually in year 2 and HCV and HIV antibody testing semi-annually through the cohort period (November 2007–December 2009). Interviews detailed injecting and sexual risk behaviors, NSP service use, and conflict-associated displacement. Quarters with peak conflict or local displacement were identified based on literature review, and key events, including insurgent attacks and deaths, were reported with simple counts. Incidence and predictors of HCV and HIV were measured with Cox proportional hazards models. Results Of 483 IDUs enrolled, 385 completed one or more follow-up visits (483.8 person-years (p-y)). All participants were male with a median age of 28 years and a median duration of injecting of 2 years. Reported NSP use among the participants ranged from 59.9 to 70.5 % in the first year and was 48.4 and 55.4 % at 18 and 24 months, respectively. There were 41 confirmed deaths, with a crude death rate of 93.4/1000 p-y (95 % confidence interval (CI) 67.9–125) and overdose as the most common cause. HCV and HIV incidence were 35.6/100 p-y (95 % CI 28.3–44.6) and 1.5/100 p-y (95 % CI 0.6–3.3), respectively. Changing from injecting to smoking was protective for HCV acquisition (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.53, 95 % CI 0.31–0.92), while duration of injecting (AHR = 1.09, 95 % CI 1.01–1.18/year) and sharing syringes (AHR = 10.09, 95 % CI 1.01–100.3) independently predicted HIV infection. Conclusion There is high HCV incidence and high numbers of reported deaths among male Kabul IDUs despite relatively consistent levels of harm reduction program use; peak violence periods did not independently predict HCV and HIV risk. Programming should increase awareness of HCV transmission and overdose risks, prepare clients for harm reduction needs during conflict or other causes of displacement, and continue efforts to engage community and police force support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, PH 16-69, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Asia Pacific Business Unit and Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, Sindhorn Building, 130-132 Wittayu Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Abdul Nasir
- Health Protection and Research Organisation, Street 4, Taimani, Kabul, Afghanistan.
| | | | - Katja Fiekert
- Health Protection and Research Organisation, Street 4, Taimani, Kabul, Afghanistan.
| | - Heather L Sipsma
- Department of Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
| | - David Vlahov
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, 2 Koret Way, #N-319X UCSF Box 0602, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0602, USA.
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0507, USA.
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Shirani K, Nokhodian Z, Kassaian N, Adibi P, Naeini AE, Ataei B. The prevalence of isolated hepatitis B core antibody and its related risk factors among male injected drug users in Isfahan prisons. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:17. [PMID: 25709982 PMCID: PMC4333428 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of isolated hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) varies between 1% and 30% in different populations. Isolated anti-HBc-positive patients who suffer from occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have the potential to transmit HBV infection. So isolated anti-HBc screening is a valuable tool to prevent HBV transmission. Considering the importance of isolated anti-HBc screening and high prevalence of HBV among injected drug users (IDU) prisoners, we designed this study to evaluate the isolated anti-HBc positivity among inmates with the history of IDU in our area. Materials and Methods: We did this cross-sectional study from September 2009 to March 2010 among volunteer male IDU prisoners in Isfahan. Blood samples were taken from all of subjects and tested for HBV markers. Then a questionnaire containing socio-demographic, drug histories and high risk behaviors information was completed for all participants. Data analysis was done utilizing univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Totally 970 male IDU prisoners (mean age 32.6 ± 8.1) were included in our study. The prevalence of isolated HBc Ab was 4.5%. Isolated anti-HBc significantly was related to tooth filling (OR: 2.62, CI: 1.20-7.14) and imprisonment (OR: 3.95, CI: 1.39-11.18). We couldn’t find any relationship between isolated anti-HBc positivity and addiction duration, incarceration frequency, recent incarceration duration or number of injection per month. Conclusion: For screening high risk groups in parallel with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and other viral markers, maybe it is better to check HBcAb too, because isolated HBcAb-positive patients may have occult hepatitis B infection which could transfer the infection to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Shirani
- Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zary Nokhodian
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nazila Kassaian
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Peyman Adibi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Emami Naeini
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behrooz Ataei
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Suryaprasad AG, White JZ, Xu F, Eichler BA, Hamilton J, Patel A, Hamdounia SB, Church DR, Barton K, Fisher C, Macomber K, Stanley M, Guilfoyle SM, Sweet K, Liu S, Iqbal K, Tohme R, Sharapov U, Kupronis BA, Ward JW, Holmberg SD. Emerging Epidemic of Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Young Nonurban Persons Who Inject Drugs in the United States, 2006–2012. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:1411-9. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Hayes B, Briceno A, Asher A, Yu M, Evans JL, Hahn JA, Page K. Preference, acceptability and implications of the rapid hepatitis C screening test among high-risk young people who inject drugs. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:645. [PMID: 24965699 PMCID: PMC4091768 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are at highest risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet many remain unaware of their infection status. New anti-HCV rapid testing has high potential to impact this. Methods Young adult (<30 years) active PWID were offered either the rapid OraQuick® or standard anti-HCV test involving phlebotomy, then asked to complete a short questionnaire about testing perceptions and preferences. Sample characteristics, service utilization, and injection risk exposures are assessed with the HCV testing choice as the outcome, testing preferences, and reasons for preference. Results Of 129 participants: 82.9% (n = 107) chose the rapid test. There were no significant differences between those who chose rapid vs. standard testing. A majority (60.2%) chose the rapid test for quick results; most (60.9%) felt the rapid test was accurate, and less painful (53.3%) than the tests involving venipuncture. Conclusions OraQuick® anti-HCV rapid test was widely accepted among young PWID. Our results substantiate the valuable potential of anti-HCV rapid testing for HCV screening in this high risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Global Health Science, University of California San Francisco, 50 Beale Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
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Shaw SY, Jolly AM, Wylie JL. Outlier populations: individual and social network correlates of solvent-using injection drug users. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88623. [PMID: 24523923 PMCID: PMC3921209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We previously identified a high prevalence of Hepatitis C (HCV) amongst solvent-using injection drug users (S-IDU) relative to other injection drug users within the same locality. Here we incorporated social network variables to better characterize some of the behavioural characteristics that may be putting this specific subgroup of IDU at elevated disease risk. Methods A cross-sectional survey of at-risk populations was carried out in Winnipeg, Canada in 2009. Individuals reporting any history of injection drug and/or solvent use were included in the study. Associations between subgroup membership, infection with HCV and HIV and individual and social network variables were examined. Results In relation to other IDU, S-IDU were more likely to be infected with HCV, to report ever having shared a syringe, and to associate with other IDU. They were further differentiated in terms of their self-reported sexual orientation, ethnicity and in the injection drugs typically used. Conclusion Solvent use stands as a proxy measure of numerous other characteristics that put this group of IDU at higher risk of infection. Provision of adequate services to ostracized subpopulations may result in wider population-level benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souradet Y. Shaw
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Ann M. Jolly
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John L. Wylie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Cadham Provincial Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Yen YF, Hu BS, Lin YS, Li LH, Su LW, Chuang P, Lin NC, Jiang XR, Shie YH, Chang HH, Ou WX, Zhan HJ, Yang W, Yen MY. Latent tuberculosis among injection drug users in a methadone maintenance treatment program, Taipei, Taiwan: TSPOT.TB versus tuberculin skin test. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 45:504-11. [PMID: 23768130 DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2013.768354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taiwan has a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic that has recently shifted to an increase among injection drug users (IDUs). IDUs co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) have a high risk of progression from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active TB. METHODS This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of LTBI among IDUs by TSPOT.TB and tuberculin skin test (TST), in a large methadone program in Taipei, Taiwan. Consenting participants were interviewed by a trained worker regarding sociodemographics, substance use history, and health factors. RESULTS Multivariate analysis was used to determine risks associated with each test outcome. Of 287 participants, 165 (58.7%) tested TSPOT.TB-positive and 244 (85.0%) tested TST-positive. The mean age was 44 y, and 7.3% were HIV-infected. Kappa statistics indicated slight concordance between TSPOT.TB and TST. In multivariate analysis, after controlling for potential confounders, TSPOT.TB positivity was significantly associated with age ≥ 50 y (reference, 20-34 y). A history of ever having had contact with a TB-infected person was associated with TST positivity, whereas HIV infection was inversely associated with TSPOT.TB positivity and TST positivity. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a high prevalence of LTBI in individuals at risk for HIV infection in Taipei, Taiwan. Future TB prevention programs should particularly focus on IDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Feng Yen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tassiopoulos K, Bernstein J, Bernstein E. Age and sharing of needle injection equipment in a cohort of Massachusetts injection drug users: an observational study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2013; 8:20. [PMID: 24330568 PMCID: PMC3880095 DOI: 10.1186/1940-0640-8-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C infection (HCV) among individuals aged 15-24 years has increased in Massachusetts, likely due to injection drug use. The prevalence of injection equipment sharing (sharing) and its association with age was examined in a cohort of out-of-treatment Massachusetts substance users. METHODS This analysis included baseline data from a behavioral intervention with substance users. Younger and older (<25 versus ≥ 25 years) injection drug users were compared on demographic characteristics, substance use practices, including factors present during the most recent sharing event ("event-level factors"), and HCV testing history. RESULTS Sharing was reported by 41% of the 484 individuals who reported injection drug use in the past 30 days. Prevalence of sharing varied by age (50% <25 years old versus 38% ≥ 25 years, p=0.02). In a multivariable logistic regression model younger versus older individuals had twice the odds of sharing (95% CI=1.26, 3.19). During their most recent sharing event, fewer younger individuals than older had their own drugs available (50% versus 75%, p<0.001); other injection event-level factors did not vary by age. In the presence of PTSD, history of exchanging sex for money, or not being US born, prevalence of sharing by older users was higher and was similar to that of younger users, such that there was no association between age and sharing. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of injection drug users, younger age was associated with higher prevalence of sharing, but only in the absence of certain stressors. Harm reduction efforts might benefit from intervening on mental health and other stressors in addition to substance use. Study findings suggest a particular need to address the dangers of sharing with young individuals initiating injection drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Tassiopoulos
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston MA, USA
| | - Judith Bernstein
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Boston MA, USA
| | - Edward Bernstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 1 Boston Medical Center Place, Boston MA, USA
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Werb D, Buxton J, Shoveller J, Richardson C, Rowell G, Wood E. Interventions to prevent the initiation of injection drug use: a systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 133:669-76. [PMID: 24055187 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use has been identified as a key source of morbidity and mortality, primarily from overdose and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV. Experts have therefore called for the prioritization of resources toward the prevention of injection drug use. However, these strategies have not been systematically assessed. METHODS PRISMA guidelines were used to systematically review and extract findings from the peer-reviewed literature evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to prevent injecting initiation. We searched 10 English language electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, TOXNET, AIDSLINE, AMED and ERIC), the Internet (Google, Google Scholar), and article reference lists, from database inception to June 1st, 2012. RESULTS Overall, out of 384 studies identified in the initial search, eight met the inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated four different types of interventions: social marketing, peer-based behavior modification, treatment, and drug law enforcement. Four studies observed a significant effect of the intervention on reducing rates of injecting initiation. Peer-based behavior modification and addiction treatment interventions were found to be most effective. Two of three studies assessing the impact of drug law enforcement on patterns of injecting initiation found no impact on injecting initiation, while one study reported inconclusive results. CONCLUSION There exists a limited scientific literature on strategies to prevent injecting initiation. Resources should be allocated toward increased research and development of effective interventions to prevent this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Werb
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
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Johnson KM, Fibbi M, Langer D, Silva K, Lankenau SE. Prescription drug misuse and risk behaviors among young injection drug users. J Psychoactive Drugs 2013; 45:112-21. [PMID: 23908999 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2013.785811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Prescription drug misuse among young adults, especially opioids, is a substantial public health problem in the United States. Although risks associated with injection of illicit drugs are well established, injection and sexual risks associated with misuse of prescription drugs are under-studied. Forty young injection drug users aged 16 to 25 who reported injection of a prescription drug were recruited in 2008-09 in Los Angeles and New York City. Descriptive quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to illustrate risky injection and sexual behaviors reported in this sample. Over half of participants engaged in risky injection behavior, three-quarters engaged in risky sexual behavior, nearly half reported both risky behaviors, and five did not report either risk behavior while misusing a prescription drug. Prescription opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants were misused in the context of risky sexual behaviors while only opioids were misused in the context of injection risk behaviors. Access to clean syringes, attitudes and beliefs regarding hepatitis C, and risk reduction through partner selection were identified as key themes that contextualized risk behaviors. Although these findings help identify areas to target educational campaigns, such as prevention of sexually transmitted infections, risk behaviors specifically associated with prescription drug misuse warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Johnson
- Drexel University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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28
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Tun W, Vu L, Adebajo SB, Abiodun L, Sheehy M, Karlyn A, Njab J, Ahonsi B, Issa BK, Idogho O. Population-based prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia in male injection drug users in Lagos, Nigeria. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 24:619-25. [PMID: 23970571 DOI: 10.1177/0956462413477553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is little research on injecting drug use in Nigeria. We investigated the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among male injection drug users (IDUs) in Lagos. Male IDUs (N = 328) were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Participants completed an interview about their sexual and injecting risk behaviours and were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBV), hepatitis C antibody (HCV), HIV and syphilis, as well as genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections. Three-quarters of IDUs (74%) reported injecting drugs in the past one month although most did not share needles (92%) and the majority obtained sterile needles from pharmacists (87%). Estimated HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia prevalences were 7.8%, 7.7%, 0.9%, 1.9%, 0.0%, and 3.7%, respectively. The burden of HIV is presently low among IDUs in Lagos. Changes in accessibility to sterile needles at pharmacists would likely have a deleterious effect on IDUs' health. HBV vaccination and HCV prevention programmes for IDUs are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Tun
- Population Council, Washington, DC, USA
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Jordan AE, Masson CL, Mateu-Gelabert P, McKnight C, Pepper N, Bouche K, Guzman L, Kletter E, Seewald RM, Des-Jarlais DC, Sorensen JL, Perlman DC. Perceptions of drug users regarding hepatitis C screening and care: a qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2013; 10:10. [PMID: 23786800 PMCID: PMC3695813 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-10-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug users have a high prevalence of HCV and represent the majority of newly infected persons in the U.S. Despite the availability of effective HCV treatment, few drug users have been evaluated or treated for HCV. Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher incidence and prevalence of HCV and higher HCV-related mortality. Factors contributing to poor engagement in care are incompletely understood. METHODS Fourteen mixed-gender focus groups of either African American or Latino/a drug users (N = 95) discussed barriers to HCV testing and treatment. Themes were identified through content analysis of focus group discussions. RESULTS Many drug users were tested for HCV in settings where they were receiving care. Outside of these settings, most were unaware of voluntary test sites. After testing HCV positive, drug users reported not receiving clear messages regarding the meaning of a positive HCV test, the impact of HCV infection, or appropriate next steps including HCV clinical evaluations. Many drug users perceived treatment as unimportant because they lacked symptoms, healthcare providers minimized the severity of the diagnosis, or providers did not recommend treatment. Mistrust of the motivations of healthcare providers was cited as a barrier to pursuing treatment. Social networks or social interactions were a source of HCV-related information and were influential in shaping drug users perceptions of treatment and its utility. CONCLUSION Drug users perceived a paucity of settings for self-initiated HCV testing and poor provider-patient communication at test sites and during medical encounters. Notably, drug users reported having an unclear understanding about the meaning of a positive HCV test, the health implications of HCV infection, the importance of clinical evaluations and monitoring, and of treatment options for HCV. Efforts to improve the delivery of clinical messages about HCV infection for drug users at test settings and clinical encounters are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly E Jordan
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Carmen L Masson
- Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 20, Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- National Development and Research Institutes Inc, 71 West 23rd St. Floor 8, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Courtney McKnight
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Nicole Pepper
- Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 20, Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Katie Bouche
- Prevention Point, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, HIV Prevention Project, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 1035 Market Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA, 94103, California
| | - Laura Guzman
- Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 165 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110, California
| | - Evan Kletter
- BAART Programs, 433 Turk Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, California
| | - Randy M Seewald
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Don C Des-Jarlais
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - James L Sorensen
- Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Building 20, Suite 2100, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, 120 East 16th St, Floor 12, New York, NY, 10003, USA
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Roux P, Fugon L, Jones JD, Comer SD. Hepatitis C infection in non-treatment-seeking heroin users: the burden of cocaine injection. Am J Addict 2013; 22:613-8. [PMID: 24131170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12058.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In heroin dependent individuals, the HIV epidemic has been controlled in countries where access to opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and needle exchange programs (NEP) have been implemented. However, despite similar routes of contamination for both viruses, the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infection remains high in drug users. The objective of this analysis was to identify the prevalence of HCV and the correlates of being HCV-positive in a sample of out-of-treatment heroin-dependent individuals. METHODS Data were collected from five inpatient studies (n = 120 participants) conducted at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. A logistic regression was used to identify correlates of being HCV-positive at baseline. RESULTS Among the 120 heroin-dependent volunteers, 42 were HCV-positive. Participants who had heavier alcohol use, a longer duration of heroin use, or who reported using heroin by injection were more likely to be HCV-positive. Interestingly, participants who had injected cocaine during the previous month had a ninefold greater risk of being HCV-positive compared to non-cocaine users and those who used cocaine by a non-injecting route. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These findings confirm the risk of being HCV-infected through intravenous drug use, especially with cocaine use. These results underscore the importance of rethinking interventions to prevent HCV infection with combined strategies using pharmacological approaches for cocaine dependence and tailored prevention for cocaine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Roux
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; INSERM U912, SESSTIM, Marseille, France; Université Aix Marseille, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
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Tempalski B, Pouget ER, Cleland CM, Brady JE, Cooper HLF, Hall HI, Lansky A, West BS, Friedman SR. Trends in the population prevalence of people who inject drugs in US metropolitan areas 1992-2007. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64789. [PMID: 23755143 PMCID: PMC3673953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We update and present estimates and trends of the prevalence of current PWID and PWID subpopulations in 96 US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) for 1992-2007. Current estimates of PWID and PWID subpopulations will help target services and help to understand long-term health trends among PWID populations. METHODOLOGY We calculated the number of PWID in the US annually from 1992-2007 and apportioned estimates to MSAs using multiplier methods. We used four types of data indicating drug injection to allocate national annual totals to MSAs, creating four distinct series of component estimates of PWID in each MSA and year. The four component estimates are averaged to create the best estimate of PWID for each MSA and year. We estimated PWID prevalence rates for three subpopulations defined by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. We evaluated trends using multi-level polynomial models. RESULTS PWID per 10,000 persons aged 15-64 years varied across MSAs from 31 to 345 in 1992 (median 104.4) to 34 to 324 in 2007 (median 91.5). Trend analysis indicates that this rate declined during the early period and then was relatively stable in 2002-2007. Overall prevalence rates for non-Hispanic black PWID increased in 2005 as compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Hispanic prevalence, in contrast, declined across time. Importantly, results show a worrisome trend in young PWID prevalence since HAART was initiated--the mean prevalence was 90 to 100 per 10,000 youth in 1992-1996, but increased to >120 PWID per 10,000 youth in 2006-2007. CONCLUSIONS Overall, PWID rates remained constant since 2002, but increased for two subpopulations: non-Hispanic black PWID and young PWID. Estimates of PWID are important for planning and evaluating public health programs to reduce harm among PWID and for understanding related trends in social and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tempalski
- Institute for AIDS Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.-NDRI, New York, New York, United States of America.
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Winter RJ, Dietze PM, Gouillou M, Hellard ME, Robinson P, Aitken CK. Hepatitis B virus exposure and vaccination in a cohort of people who inject drugs: what has been the impact of targeted free vaccination? J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013. [PMID: 23190264 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Forty percent of new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Australia occur in people who inject drugs (PWID); long-term infection carries the risk of serious liver disease. HBV incidence among Australian PWID has not been measured since the advent of targeted (2001) and adolescent school-based "catch-up" (1998) vaccination programs. We measured HBV incidence and prevalence in a cohort of PWID in Melbourne, Australia and examined demographic and behavioral correlates of exposure and vaccination. METHODS Community-recruited PWID were surveyed about blood-borne virus risk behaviors and their sera tested for HBV markers approximately three-monthly over three years. Incidence was assessed using prospectively collected data. A cross-sectional design was used to examine prevalence of HBV exposure and vaccination at baseline. Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of HBV exposure and vaccination. RESULTS At baseline, 33.1% of participants (114/344) had been vaccinated against HBV, 40.4% (139/344) had been exposed (previously or currently infected), and 26.5% (91/344) were susceptible. HBV incidence was 15.7 per 100 person-years. Independent associations with HBV exposure included female gender, South-East Asian ethnicity, drug treatment in the past three months, injecting in prison, and prior exposure to hepatitis C virus. Independent associations with vaccination included being ≤ 25 years old, reporting HBV vaccination, and never having been to prison. CONCLUSIONS HBV infection continues at high incidence among Australian PWID despite the introduction of free vaccination programs. Innovative methods are needed to encourage PWID to complete HBV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Winter
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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33
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Hepatitis B vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0090-5.00025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
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34
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Yen YF, Yen MY, Su LW, Li LH, Chuang P, Jiang XR, Deng CY. Prevalences and associated risk factors of HCV/HIV co-infection and HCV mono-infection among injecting drug users in a methadone maintenance treatment program in Taipei, Taiwan. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:1066. [PMID: 23227904 PMCID: PMC3534443 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting drug users (IDUs) in Taiwan contributed significantly to an HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2005. In addition, studies that identified risk factors of HCV/HIV co-infection among IDUs were sparse. This study aimed to identify risk factors of HCV/HIV co-infection and HCV mono-infection, as compared with seronegativity, among injecting drug users (IDUs) at a large methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) in Taipei, Taiwan. METHODS Data from enrollment interviews and HCV and HIV testing completed by IDUs upon admission to the Taipei City Hospital MMTP from 2006-2010 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. HCV and HIV testing was repeated among re-enrollees whose HCV or HIV test results were negative at the preceding enrollment. Backward stepwise multinomial logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with HCV/HIV co-infection and HCV mono-infection. RESULTS Of the 1,447 IDUs enrolled, the prevalences of HCV/HIV co-infection, HCV mono-infection, and HIV mono-infection were 13.1%, 78.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. In backward stepwise multinomial regression analysis, after controlling for potential confounders, syringe sharing in the 6 months before MMTP enrollment was significantly positively associated with HCV/HIV co-infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=27.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.30-57.76). Incarceration was also significantly positively associated with HCV/HIV co-infection (AOR=2.01, 95% CI 1.71-2.37) and HCV mono-infection (AOR=1.77, 95% CI 1.52-2.06), whereas smoking amphetamine in the 6 months before MMTP enrollment was significantly inversely associated with HCV/HIV co-infection (AOR=0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.76) and HCV mono-infection (AOR=0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.75). HCV seroincidence was 45.25/100 person-years at risk (PYAR; 95% CI 24.74-75.92/100 PYAR) and HIV seroincidence was 0.53/100 PYAR (95% CI 0.06-1.91/100 PYAR) among re-enrolled IDUs who were HCV- or HIV-negative at the preceding enrollment. CONCLUSIONS IDUs enrolled in Taipei MMTPs had very high prevalences of HCV/HIV co-infection and HCV mono-infection. Interventions such as expansion of syringe exchange programs and education regarding HCV/HIV prevention should be implemented for this high-risk group of drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Feng Yen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Yong Yen
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lien-Wen Su
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Huei Li
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Peing Chuang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Xiao-Ru Jiang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yeh Deng
- Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Section 2, Ni-Long Street, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yen YF, Rodwell TC, Yen MY, Hsu YH, Chuang P, Li LH, Su LW, Yang YH, Jiang XR, Fang YC, Garfein RS. HIV infection risk among injection drug users in a methadone maintenance treatment program, Taipei, Taiwan 2007-2010. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2012; 38:544-50. [PMID: 22783806 PMCID: PMC4229362 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2012.702171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taiwan has a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic that has recently shifted to an increase among injection drug users (IDUs). This study aimed to measure the prevalence and incidence and identify the correlates of HIV infection among IDUs in a large methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) in Taipei, Taiwan. METHODS Data from intake interviews and HIV testing completed by IDUs upon admission to the Taipei City Hospital MMTP in 2007-2010 were included in this analysis. HIV testing was repeated semi-annually among maintained clients who were HIV-negative during MMTP admission. RESULTS Of 1444 IDUs admitted, 85.9% were male, median age was 40 years, and mean years of injecting was 14.3 (range: 1-64). The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV co-infection was 13.4%, 91.1%, and 13.2%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, HIV infection was associated with sharing syringes during the 6 months prior to admission (OR = 14.76, 95% CI 10.31-21.13), homelessness (OR = 6.46, 95% CI 1.49-28.00), and lifetime number of MMTP admissions (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.30-2.38) and times incarcerated (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18). HIV seroincidence was 1.15/100 person-years at risk (95% CI .62-8.77/100 PY) among IDUs who were HIV-negative at first admission. CONCLUSIONS Taiwanese IDUs in MMTP have a high HIV prevalence, which was associated with syringe sharing and other factors related to social marginalization. Our findings highlight the importance of harm reduction programs, including syringe exchange, along with HIV-prevention education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Feng Yen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, No.145 Zhengzhou Rd., Taipei, Taiwan.
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Injection of drug residue as a potential risk factor for HCV acquisition among Montréal young injection drug users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 126:246-50. [PMID: 22699096 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preparing drugs or medications for injection may leave residues in containers and filters used by injection drug users (IDUs). Little is known about the specific practice of injecting someone else's drug residue as a possible route of HCV transmission. METHODS A prospective cohort study of street youth aged 14-23 years old was carried out between July 2001 and December 2005. For this analysis, youth who injected in the six months prior to interview were selected if they were HCV-negative and had completed at least one follow-up visit. Semi-annual visits involved completing an interviewer-administered questionnaire and providing a blood sample for HCV antibody testing. "Sharing behaviors" (any injection preparation behavior that could entail IDUs using injection equipment used by others) including injecting someone else's drug residue were assessed at each interview. Predictors of HCV seroconversion were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Two multivariate models were built, one considering sharing behaviors only, and one with cocaine injection forced into it. RESULTS Of the 175 participants, 60% were male and their mean age was 20.7years old. In both models, residue injection was a predictor of HCV incidence, although with marginal statistical significance. The adjusted hazard ratio estimates were (2.15; 95% CI 0.99-4.67) and (2.11; 95% CI 0.97-4.62) respectively. CONCLUSION This epidemiological study underscores the role injection of drug residue may play in HCV transmission among IDUs. In the current context of the worldwide HCV epidemics, this question deserves further investigation.
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Zeremski M, Makeyeva J, Arasteh K, Des Jarlais DC, Talal AH. Hepatitis C virus-specific immune responses in noninjecting drug users. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:554-9. [PMID: 22762139 PMCID: PMC3433847 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Noninjection drug use, although recognized as an emerging risk factor for acquisition of other blood-born pathogens, is still unconfirmed as a route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. Our goal was to measure HCV exposure and prevalence in noninjection drug users (NIDUs). Fifty-seven NIDUs were screened by extensive questionnaire to exclude prior injection drug use and evaluated for HCV-specific serologic and cellular immune responses. HCV-specific T-cell responses were measured using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay with overlapping HCV peptides covering the entire HCV genome. Fifteen individuals who never used illicit drugs served as negative controls. Eleven people with no history of injecting drug use (19.3%) were HCV seropositive: seven with chronic HCV infection and four with previously resolved infection. Of 51 NIDUs with ELISpot results, HCV-specific cellular immunity was detected in 5 (9.8%). These responses were relatively weak and narrow. We did not find significant associations between HCV-specific immune responses and noninjection drug use practices. Subjects with HCV-specific immunity, however, were significantly more likely to have bought sex in the past 6 months, to have had more casual partners of the opposite sex in the last 6 months, and those partners were more likely to have ever injected drugs compared to subjects without HCV-specific immunity. In summary, we found serologic or cellular HCV-specific immune responses in 27.5% of NIDUs. Our results suggest that sexual behaviour associated with noninjection drug use might be a risk factor for HCV acquisition. Additional studies are needed to precisely determine the practices that lead to HCV exposure among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Zeremski
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jessy Makeyeva
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kamyar Arasteh
- Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Don C. Des Jarlais
- Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Andrew H. Talal
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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Pouget ER, Hagan H, Des Jarlais DC. Meta-analysis of hepatitis C seroconversion in relation to shared syringes and drug preparation equipment. Addiction 2012; 107:1057-65. [PMID: 22168373 PMCID: PMC3348401 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03765.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting seroincidence of hepatitis C infection (HCV) in relation to shared syringes and drug preparation equipment among injection drug users (IDUs). We identified published and unpublished studies that met inclusion criteria. DESIGN We estimated the relative contributions of shared syringes and drug preparation equipment to HCV transmission using random-effects meta-analysis, and analyzed potential sources of heterogeneity of effects among studies. FINDINGS Syringe sharing was associated with HCV seroconversion [pooled risk ratio (PRR) = 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53, 2.46], as was sharing drug preparation containers (PRR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.89, 3.10), filters (PRR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.91, 3.56), rinse water (PRR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.54, 2.56), combinations of this equipment (PRR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.28, 3.93) and 'backloading', a syringe-mediated form of sharing prepared drugs (PRR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.41, 2.44). Meta-regression results showed that the association between syringe sharing and seroconversion was modified by HCV seroprevalence in the IDU populations. CONCLUSIONS The risk of hepatitis C infection through shared syringes is dependent upon hepatitis C infection seroprevalence in the population. The risk of hepatitis C infection through shared drug preparation equipment is similar to that of shared syringes. Because the infection status of sharing partners is often unknown, it is important for injection drug users to consistently avoid sharing unsterile equipment used to prepare, divide or inject drugs and avoid backloading with an unsterile syringe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique R. Pouget
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23 St., 8 floor, New York
| | - Holly Hagan
- College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Don C. Des Jarlais
- Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY
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Malta M, Cavalcanti S, Gliksman L, Adlaf E, Hacker MDAVB, Bertoni N, Massard E, Bastos FI. Behavior and major barriers faced by non-injectable drug users with HBV/HCV seeking treatment for hepatitis and drug addiction in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2012; 16:4777-86. [PMID: 22124917 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232011001300026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug users (DU) are a marginalized group and at risk for viral hepatitis, who seldom access health services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 111 DU with chronic HBV/HCV and 15 in-depth interviews with health professionals/policymakers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most interviewees were male, non-white, with a low educational background, unemployed and/or living on less than $245 a month (minimun wage). In the last 6 months, 61.8% of interviewees snorted cocaine, 64.7% at least once a week. Half of the interviewees had a stable partner and 38.3% of those with occasional partners never/almost never using condoms. Addiction treatment seeking was found to be associated with: being white (OR:5.5), high-school degree (OR:8.7), and employment (OR:5.7). Hepatitis treatment seeking was high (80.9%), and access to low-threshold, user-friendly health services was key for treatment seeking behaviors (OR:3.6). Missed opportunities for hepatitis treatment seem to be associated with structural (uneven political/financial support to hepatitis programs) and patient-related barriers (severe addiction and non-adherence). Those most in need were less likely to access treatment, calling for renewed strategies, in order to curb hepatitis among impoverished drug users and their sexual partners.
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40
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Kim BK, Revill PA, Ahn SH. HBV genotypes: relevance to natural history, pathogenesis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Antivir Ther 2012; 16:1169-86. [PMID: 22155900 DOI: 10.3851/imp1982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and death worldwide, there are substantial differences in its clinical courses regarding prevalence, mode of transmission, characteristics of each phase, responses to antiviral therapy, and development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, according to geographical areas (Asia versus Western Europe and North America versus Africa). Furthermore, the clinical course in infected individuals depends on a complex interplay among various factors including viral, host, environmental and other factors. Recently, understanding of molecular characteristics of the prevailing HBV genotypes, frequently accompanied mutations and their clinical implications might explain these geographical differences more pertinently. Hence, in this article, we review the global epidemiology and the natural history of HBV infection, with emphasis on summarizing the different HBV genotypes according to regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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41
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Chatterjee S, Tempalski B, Pouget ER, Cooper HLF, Cleland CM, Friedman SR. Changes in the prevalence of injection drug use among adolescents and young adults in large U.S. metropolitan areas. AIDS Behav 2011; 15:1570-8. [PMID: 21739288 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-9992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Young injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for acquiring blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Little is known about the population prevalence of young IDUs. We (1) estimate annual population prevalence rates of young IDUs (aged 15-29) per 10,000 in 95 large U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) from 1992 to 2002; (2) assess the validity of these estimates; and (3) explore whether injection drug use among youth in these MSAs began to rise after HAART was discovered. A linear mixed model (LMM) estimated the annual population prevalence of young IDUs in each MSA and described trends therein. The population prevalence of IDUs among youths across 95 MSAs increased from 1996 (mean = 95.64) to 2002 (mean = 115.59). Additional analyses of the proportion of young IDUs using health services suggest this increase may have continued after 2002. Harm reduction and prevention research and programs for young IDUs are needed.
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42
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Novak SP, Kral AH. Comparing injection and non-injection routes of administration for heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine users in the United States. J Addict Dis 2011; 30:248-57. [PMID: 21745047 PMCID: PMC3225003 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2011.581989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Research examining the demographic and substance use characteristics of illicit drug use in the United States has typically failed to consider differences in routes of administration or has exclusively focused on a single route of administration?injection drug use. Data from National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to compare past-year injection drug users and non-injection drug users' routes of administration of those who use the three drugs most commonly injected in the United States: heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Injection drug users were more likely than those using drugs via other routes to be older (aged 35 and older), unemployed, possess less than a high school education, and reside in rural areas. IDUs also exhibited higher rates of abuse/dependence, perceived need for substance abuse treatment, and co-occurring physical and psychological problems. Fewer differences between IDUs and non-IDUs were observed for heroin users compared with methamphetamine or cocaine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P. Novak
- RTI International, Behavioral Health Epidemiology, Post Office Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194 USA
| | - Alex H. Kral
- RTI International, Urban Health Program, 114 Sansome Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104-38122 USA
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43
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Kucirka LM, Sarathy H, Govindan P, Wolf JH, Ellison TA, Hart LJ, Montgomery RA, Ros RL, Segev DL. Risk of window period HIV infection in high infectious risk donors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Transplant 2011; 11:1176-87. [PMID: 21366859 PMCID: PMC3110509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The OPTN defines high risk donors (HRDs), colloquially known as 'CDC high risk donors', as those thought to carry an increased risk of HIV window period (WP) infection prior to serologic detectability. However, the true risk of such infection remains unknown. To quantify the risk of WP infection in each HRD behavior category, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of HIV prevalence and incidence. Of 3476 abstracts reviewed, 27 eligible studies of HIV infection in HRD populations were identified. Pooled HIV incidence estimates were calculated for each category of HRD behavior and used to calculate the risk of WP HIV infection. Risks ranged from 0.09-12.1 per 10 000 donors based on WP for ELISA and 0.04-4.9 based on nucleic acid testing (NAT), with NAT reducing WP risk by over 50% in each category. Injection drug users had the greatest risk of WP infection (4.9 per 10 000 donors by NAT WP), followed by men who have sex with men (4.2:10 000), commercial sex workers (2.7:10 000), incarcerated donors (0.9:10 000), donors exposed to HIV through blood (0.6:10 000), donors engaging in high-risk sex (0.3:10 000) and hemophiliacs (0.035:10 000). These estimates can help inform patient and provider decision making regarding HRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Kucirka
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Harini Sarathy
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Joshua H. Wolf
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Trevor A. Ellison
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert A. Montgomery
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - R. Lorie Ros
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dorry L. Segev
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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44
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Kucirka LM, Sarathy H, Govindan P, Wolf JH, Ellison TA, Hart LJ, Montgomery RA, Ros RL, Segev DL. Risk of window period hepatitis-C infection in high infectious risk donors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Transplant 2011; 11:1188-200. [PMID: 21401874 PMCID: PMC3110646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03460.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The OPTN classifies high infectious risk donors (HRDs) based on criteria originally intended to identify people at risk for HIV infection. These donors are sometimes referred to as 'CDC high risk donors' in reference to the CDC-published guidelines adopted by the OPTN. However, these guidelines are also being used to identify deceased donors at increased risk of window period (WP) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, although not designed for this purpose. The actual risk of WP HCV infection in HRDs is unknown. We performed a systematic review of 3476 abstracts and identified 37 eligible estimates of HCV incidence in HRD populations in the United States/Canada. Pooled HCV incidence was derived and used to estimate the risk of WP infection for each HRD category. Risks ranged from 0.26 to 300.6 per 10,000 donors based on WP for ELISA and 0.027 to 32.4 based on nucleic acid testing (NAT). Injection drug users were at highest risk (32.4 per 10,000 donors by NAT WP), followed by commercial sex workers and donors exhibiting high risk sexual behavior (12.3 per 10,000), men who have sex with men (3.5 per 10,000), incarcerated donors (0.8 per 10,000), donors exposed to HIV infected blood (0.4 per 10,000) and hemophiliacs (0.027 per 10,000). NAT reduced WP risk by approximately 10-fold in each category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Kucirka
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Harini Sarathy
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Joshua H. Wolf
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Trevor A. Ellison
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Robert A. Montgomery
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - R. Lorie Ros
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dorry L. Segev
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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Hope VD, Hickman M, Ngui SL, Jones S, Telfer M, Bizzarri M, Ncube F, Parry JV. Measuring the incidence, prevalence and genetic relatedness of hepatitis C infections among a community recruited sample of injecting drug users, using dried blood spots. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:262-70. [PMID: 20456636 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01297.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the community is complicated by difficulties in obtaining biological specimens and biases in recruitment and follow-up. This study examined the utility of dried blood spot (DBS) specimens from IDUs recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Active IDUs underwent a computer-assisted interview and provided a DBS sample, tested for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV-RNA. HCV incidence was estimated from the proportion of anti-HCV-negative subjects found HCV-RNA-positive and estimates of the duration of this state. Results were adjusted according to RDS derived sample weights. HCV-RNA testing was performed on 288 DBS samples; 173 were anti-HCV-positive (54% weighted), of which 70 (42%, 95%CI 34-50% weighted) were RNA-negative indicating cleared infection. Among the 115 anti-HCV-negatives, 14 were RNA-positive suggesting an incidence of 38-47 per 100pyrs. Incident infections were younger than anti-HCV-negative and prevalent infections: 25 vs. 29 and 34, respectively. Incidence was highest among individuals with poor needle exchange coverage. One hundred and fourteen were genotyped (60 1a, 46 3a): a cluster of 14 had homology of >98.5% including 10 incident infections. Public health surveillance of HCV among IDUs could be enhanced through the collection of DBS samples with appropriate recruitment approaches. DBS allow differentiation between individuals with cleared infections, ongoing infection and those recently infected. They also enable virus characterization at genotype and nucleotide level. This would allow surveillance to inform development of harm reduction interventions, and the international evidence base for these.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D Hope
- Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, London, UK.
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46
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Abstract
Early studies documented an inverse association between the HIV risk and duration of injection among injection drug users (IDUs). Results from subsequent studies have been inconsistent. To examine this issue, we conducted interviews with 395 street-recruited active IDUs from 38 neighborhoods in New York City during 2005 and 2008. We observed no significant differences in drug or risky sex behaviors by duration of drug use among these IDUs. Despite this, continuing to tailor HIV prevention programs for these recent-onset IDUs is prudent. The study's limitations are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Vlahov
- Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
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47
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Gough E, Kempf MC, Graham L, Manzanero M, Hook EW, Bartolucci A, Chamot E. HIV and hepatitis B and C incidence rates in US correctional populations and high risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:777. [PMID: 21176146 PMCID: PMC3016391 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence and high risk behaviors have been well documented within United States (US) correctional systems. However, uncertainty remains regarding the extent to which placing people in prison or jail increases their risk of HIV infection, and regarding which inmate populations experience an increased incidence of HIV. Describing these dynamics more clearly is essential to understanding how inmates and former detainees may be a source for further spread of HIV to the general US population. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies describing HIV incidence in US correctional facility residents and, for comparison, in high risk groups for HIV infection, such as non-incarcerated intravenous drug users (IVDU) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US. HIV incidence rates were further compared with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus rates in these same populations. RESULTS Thirty-six predominantly prospective cohort studies were included. Across all infection outcomes, continuously incarcerated inmates and treatment recruited IVDU showed the lowest incidence, while MSM and street recruited IVDU showed the highest. HIV incidence was highest among inmates released and re-incarcerated. Possible sources of heterogeneity identified among HIV studies were risk population and race. CONCLUSIONS Although important literature gaps were found, current evidence suggests that policies and interventions for HIV prevention in correctional populations should prioritize curtailing risk of infection during the post-release period. Future research should evaluate HIV incidence rates in inmate populations, accounting for proportion of high risk sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Gough
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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48
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Levy V, Evans JL, Stein ES, Davidson PJ, Lum PJ, Hahn JA, Page K. Are young injection drug users ready and willing to participate in preventive HCV vaccine trials? Vaccine 2010; 28:5947-51. [PMID: 20638453 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Trials to evaluate the efficacy of preventive HCV vaccines will need participation from high risk HCV seronegative injection drug users (IDUs). To guide trial planning, we assessed willingness of young IDU in San Francisco to participate in HCV vaccine efficacy trials and evaluate knowledge of vaccine trial concepts: placebo, randomization and blinding. During 2006 and 2007, a total of 67 participants completed the survey. A substantial proportion (88%) would definitely (44%) or probably (44%) be willing to participate in a randomized trial, but knowledge of vaccine trial concepts was low. Reported willingness to participate in an HCV vaccine trial decreased with increasing trial duration, with 67% of participants surveyed willing to participate in a trial of 1 year duration compared to 43% of participants willing to participate in a trial of 4 years duration. Willingness to enroll in HCV vaccine trials was higher in young IDU than reported by most at-risk populations in HIV vaccine trials. Educational strategies will be needed to ensure understanding of key concepts prior to implementing HCV vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Levy
- San Mateo County Health Systems, San Mateo, CA, USA
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49
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Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the disease that has affected around 200 million people globally. HCV is a life threatening human pathogen, not only because of its high prevalence and worldwide burden but also because of the potentially serious complications of persistent HCV infection. Chronicity of the disease leads to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. HCV positive hepatocytes vary between less than 5% and up to 100%, indicating the high rate of replication of viral RNA. HCV has a very high mutational rate that enables it to escape the immune system. Viral diversity has two levels; the genotypes and Quasiaspecies. Major HCV genotypes constitute genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 while more than 50 subtypes are known. All HCV genotypes have their particular patterns of geographical distribution and a slight drift in viral population has been observed in some parts of the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazish Bostan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-45320, Pakistan
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50
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Des Jarlais DC, Arasteh K, McKnight C, Hagan H, Perlman DC, Torian LV, Beatice S, Semaan S, Friedman SR. HIV infection during limited versus combined HIV prevention programs for IDUs in New York City: the importance of transmission behaviors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 109:154-60. [PMID: 20163922 PMCID: PMC4447191 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Revised: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As no single HIV prevention program has eliminated HIV transmission, there is growing interest in the effectiveness of "combined" prevention programming. To compare HIV infection among persons injecting in the initial programs environment (IPE) in New York City (self-initiated risk reduction, methadone, education/outreach, and HIV testing) to HIV infection among persons injecting in a combined programs environment (CPE) (above programs plus large-scale syringe exchange). To identify potential behavioral mechanisms through which combined programs are effective. METHODS Subjects were recruited from the Beth Israel drug detoxification program. A risk behavior questionnaire was administered and HIV testing conducted. Subjects who injected only between 1984 and 1994 (IPE) were compared to subjects who injected only between 1995 and 2008 (CPE). RESULTS 261 IPE subjects and 1153 CPE subjects were recruited. HIV infection was significantly lower among the CPE subjects compared to IPE subjects: prevalence 6% versus 21%, estimated incidence 0.3/100 person-years versus 4/100 person-years (both p<0.001). The percentage of subjects at risk of acquiring HIV through receptive syringe sharing was similar across CPE and IPE subjects (30% versus 33%). The percentage of subjects at risk of transmitting HIV through injection-related behaviors (who were both HIV seropositive and reported passing on used needles/syringes), was much lower among the CPE subjects than among the IPE subjects (1% versus 10%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Combined prevention programs can greatly reduce HIV transmission. Reducing distributive sharing by HIV seropositive injecting drug users (IDUs) may be a critical component in reducing HIV transmission in high seroprevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Des Jarlais
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 160 Water Street - 24th Floor, New York, NY 10038 USA.
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