914. The Relationship Between Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy and Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Testing, and Treatment in Southern Appalachian Ohio

Abstract

Abstract Background The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in the United States is primarily among young people who use drugs (PWUD), especially in rural and Appalachian regions. Buprenorphine maintenance therapy (BMT) may indirectly prevent HCV infection by reducing injection drug use. We aim to assess the relationship between BMT and HCV infection, testing, and treatment among rural PWUD. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional respondent driven sampling survey of 243 PWUD adults in southern Appalachian Ohio from May to November 2019. Participants completed audio computer-assisted self-interview and were tested for HCV antibodies. We defined recent BMT use as self-reported BMT in the past 30 days and prior BMT use as self-reported BMT any time prior to the past 30 days. HCV antibody positive participants were incentivized to receive confirmatory HCV RNA testing. We fit log-binomial regression models to assess the relationship between BMT and HCV infection, testing, and treatment. Results 72% of participants were HCV antibody positive (n=175). 31% (n=54) of antibody positive participants received an RNA test; of those, 96% (n=52) were HCV RNA positive. Compared to participants with no history of BMT, those with prior BMT were more likely to be HCV antibody positive (PR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6) and to have been tested for HCV (PR=1.3 95% CI: 1.1-1.5); they were somewhat more likely to have been treated for HCV (PR=1.3 95% CI: 0.5-3.4). Compared to participants with no history of BMT, those reporting recent BMT had similar HCV antibody positivity (PR=1.1 95% CI: 0.9-1.5) but were more likely to have been tested (PR=1.3 95% CI: 1.1-1.6) and possibly more likely to have been treated for HCV (PR=2.0 95% CI: 0.6-5.9). Compared to those with a prior BMT, people with recent BMT use had slightly lower HCV antibody positivity (PR=0.8 95% CI: 0.7-1.1) and possibly higher prevalence of HCV treatment (PR=1.5 95% CI: 0.6-3.8) but had similar prevalence of HCV testing (PR=1.0 95% CI: 0.9-1.2). Conclusion Participants with a recent history of BMT were more likely to have been tested for HCV and possibly to have received prior treatment. Participants with prior BMT were more likely to be antibody positive and to have tested for HCV. Improved coordination between BMT and HCV care may increase HCV treatment among rural PWUD. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures