HCV infection status and related risk factors in drug users under HIV sentinel surveillance in Henan province, 2011-2015

Abstract

To understand the hepatitis C virus infection status and related risk factors in drug users in Henan province during 2011-2015 and provide scientific evidence for the development of HCV infection prevention and control measures. Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted among the drug users and blood samples were taken from them for HCV antibody detection during HIV sentinel surveillance period in Henan province from April to June during 2011-2015. The HCV infection rate in drug users increased from 3.70% in 2011 to 6.54% in 2015 (trend χ(2)=25.93, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that HCV infection related risk factors included age older (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.35, P=0.00), place of domicile (OR=3.45, 95%CI: 2.59-4.60, P=0.00), traditional drug user or mixed drug user (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.10-1.93, P=0.01; OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.18-2.81, P=0.01), injecting drug user (OR=2.88, 95%CI: 2.45-3.39, P=0.00), commercial sex behavior in recent one year (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.20-1.72, P=0.00) and drug user in compulsory drug rehabilitation or those receiving methadone maintenance treatment (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.28-2.50, P=0.00; OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.17-2.58, P=0.01). The HCV infection rate in drug users was higher in Henan and increased rapidly with years. In order to control HCV spread, it is necessary to strengthen the management of drug users and take effective intervention measures.