Introduction: Illicit drug users (DUs) are vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The shared use of illicit drugs is the main method of HCV transmission. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Breves, in northern Brazil. We surveyed 187 DUs to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection. Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 36.9%, and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was 31%. Hepatitis C virus infection was associated with tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of equipment for drug use, drug use for longer than 3 years, and daily drug use. Conclusions: Strategies for preventing and controlling HCV transmission should be implemented among DUs.
CITATION STYLE
Pacheco, S. D. B., Silva-Oliveira, G. C., Maradei-Pereira, L. M. C., Crescente, J. Â. B., de Lemos, J. A. R., & de Oliveira-Filho, A. B. (2014). Prevalence of HCV infection and associated factors among illicit drug users in Breves, State of Pará, Northern Brazil. Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 47(3), 367–370. https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0153-2013
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