Open AccessAwareness of HCV Infection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in San Diego, California
Author(s) -
Melissa G. Collier,
Sandeep Bhaurla,
Jazmine Cuevas-Mota,
Richard F. Armenta,
Eyasu H. Teshale,
Richard S. Garfein
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2014.302245
Subject(s) - medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , hepatitis c , population , injection drug use , family medicine , drug injection , immunology , environmental health
We asked persons who inject drugs questions about HCV, including past testing and diagnosis followed by HCV testing. Of 540 participants, 145 (27%) were anti-HCV positive, but of those who were positive, only 46 (32%) knew about their infection. Asking about previous HCV testing results yielded better results than did asking about prior HCV diagnosis. Factors associated with knowing about HCV infection included older age, HIV testing, and drug treatment. Comprehensive approaches to educating and screening this population for HCV need implementation.