Prevalence of Hepatitis-C Viral Infection among Opioid Dependent Injectable Drug Users: A Study Conducted at Swami Vivekananda Drug De-Addiction and Treatment Centre, Amritsar

Abstract

Introduction: Injecting drug use is a major route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in north India especially Punjab with very high rates of substance abuse. While the average rate of prevalence of hepatitis C in India is 2.9%, some pockets of Punjab have exceeded the average between 3.5% to 7%. The present study was attempted to study the prevalence of hepatitis C among the injectable drug users, which is more important in a country like India where viral hepatitis is estimated to be among the top ten causes of deaths. Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014-2015(FEB-FEB).The subjects included were 1162 IDUs who were opiod dependent as diagnosed by ICD-10 and confrmed for morphine in urine with help of Instant-View opiates (300) urine cassette test and IDU status confrmed by observing injection marks on body parts.After that every patient was subjected to blood sampling for anti HCV antibodies using immunoassay technique and opiod dependent IDUs positive for anti HCV antibodieswereinterviewed regarding demographics, injecting and sexual behaviours. Result(s): Sero-prevalence of HCV was found to be 38.12%(443 positives).Out of 443 positivesabout 98.6% were males, 63%were of rural Background, 60% were married and 43% unemployed. Majority was between the age group of 25-30yrsage(58%).The median time since commencement of injecting drugs was 2.5 yr.Sero-prevalence was greater among those who had injected drugs for more than 2 yr(51%). Interpretation(s): Our study shows a high sero-prevalence of HCV in IDUs.The study helps us to evaluate various aspects associated with Hepatitis C infection in Punjab. The need of the hour is to increase awareness about HCV among the public and practicing physicians.