Prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection among street-recruited injection drug users in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

摘要: Throughout the world, injection drug users (IDUs) are group at highest risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. IDUs residing in island of Puerto Rico and Rican U.S. mainland have been shown to be very high infection with HIV. However, extent which HCV has spread among is not yet known. The aims this study were estimate seroprevalence identify correlates associated transmission. sample was drawn through street outreach strategies comprised 400 treatment, living San Juan metropolitan area. HIV detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results confirmed Western blot. Information on sociodemographics, use patterns, behaviors obtained structured interviews. Bivariate analyses multivariate logistic regression used assess covariates HCV. prevalence 89%. After controlling sociodemographic characteristics, positively increasing years injection, injecting a shooting gallery, tattooing prison, self-reported STD Notably, who had initiated within year prior interview an rate 57%. This indicates that more aggressive educational programs urgently needed reduce Rico.