Objective: Injection drug use has been associated with hepatitis A (HAV) in previous studies (Hutin et al. 1999; Villano et al. 1997). The purpose of this study was to develop a descriptive model of this association in a sample of injection drug users (IDU's). Methods: From May 1997 to July 1999, data were collected from IDU's (N=625) using the NIDA Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA) and phlebotomy. Blood samples were tested for antibodies to HAV, hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B core (HBc). A logisitic regression model was developed using HAV serostatus as the outcome (HAV+=1). Results: The prevalence of total HAV antibody in our sample was 36% (225/625). There was a significant association between HAV and HCV (c2(1, N=623)=23.68, p=.001). The model included level of education (< HS vs. ³ HS) (OR=1.65; 95%CI 1.11,2.45), age (5-year increments) (OR=1.31; CI 1.14,1.49), HBc serostatus (OR=2.87; CI 1.94,4.25), 30-day alcohol use (dichotomous) (OR=0.54; CI 0.30,0.96), and days injected heroin in the last 30 days (OR=1.04; CI 1.01,1.08). Ethnicity was included as design variables; Native versus White (2.16; CI 1.35,3.48) and Black versus White (OR=1.80; CI 1.10,2.97). There was good model fit (Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit c2(8, N=574)=3.27, p=.92). Conclusions: A model including both demographic and drug use variables best describes HAV prevalence in this sample. Findings suggest that IDU's, particularly Native Americans and Blacks, are targets for interventions focusing on hepatitis vaccinations and hygiene practices. Further research is needed to understand the association of HAV with hepatitis B and C infection.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: 1) Recognize the relationship between injection drug use and hepatitis A (HAV). 2) Discuss characteristics of injection drug users that are associated with HAV
Keywords: Hepatitis A, Injecting Drug Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.