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Prevalence of hepatitis B, tetanus, hepatitis A, human immunodeficiency virus and feasibility of vaccine delivery among injecting drug users in Bangkok, Thailand, 2003–2005
Author(s) -
Sunthornchart Sunthorn,
Linkins Robert W.,
Natephisarnwanish Voranut,
Levine William C.,
Maneesinthu Kunyarat,
Lolekha Rangsima,
Tappero Jordan W.,
Trirat Nisanart,
Muktier Suchada,
Chancharastong Pennapa,
Fox Kimberley,
Donchalermpak Suwanna,
Vitek Charles,
Supawitkul Somsak
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2008.02303.x
Subject(s) - medicine , virology , tetanus , hepatitis b , hepatitis a vaccine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , drug , hepatitis b virus , immunology , hepatitis , vaccination , hepatitis a , environmental health , virus , pharmacology
Objectives To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), tetanus, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in injecting drug users (IDUs), risk factors associated with infection and the feasibility of HBV vaccine delivery in HBV seronegatives. Methods Cross‐sectional seroprevalence survey of 1535 IDUs recruited from 17 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) methadone clinics and HBV vaccination of seronegatives. Results Prevalence of antibody to HBV, tetanus, HAV and HIV was 87.8%, 68.1%, 60.2% and 35.9%, respectively. Prevalence of HBV and HAV increased with increasing age; prevalence of tetanus decreased with increasing age. Being HIV seropositive was related inversely to income and being tetanus seronegative. Of the 189 HBV seronegative IDUs, 81.0% completed the vaccine series. IDUs with HIV had a 6.5‐fold odds of vaccine non‐response. Conclusions These data underscore the need for, and feasibility of, vaccine delivery in this population and support targeting efforts at high‐risk age groups.