Objective: To examine HBV vaccination opportunities among IDUs.
Methods: 274 IDUs (primarily under age 30 or injecting for £ 6 years; none knowingly HIV positive), were recruited in 1998-99 through targeted outreach in New York City, and interviewed on hepatitis awareness and prior vaccination. Next they were counseled about hepatitis B and offered testing (anti-HBc, HbsAg, and anti-HBs).
Results: 20% of subjects were completely unaware of hepatitis B prior to interview. Only one subject refused testing. For 62% of subjects, this study provided their first HBV test. Serological evidence of HBV exposure was detected in 78 (29%) and of putative vaccination (anti-HBs alone) in 35 (13%). 160 (59%) tested negative on all markers.
Among the 160 HBV-negatives, 13% reported prior 3-dose vaccination, 7% reported incomplete series, 12% were unsure about prior vaccination. 78% of the "never -vaccinated" said they would accept vaccination if offered. Recency of medical care and HBV awareness were significant (p<.05) independent predictors of potential acceptance.
Among the 35 putative vaccinees, 37% reported receiving the 3-dose series, 11% reported incomplete series, 40% reported no prior vaccination, 11% were unsure.
Conclusion: A sizeable proportion of IDUs remain uninformed about Hepatitis B or appear confused about whether or not they have been vaccinated. Virtually all IDUs are willing to be tested after informative counseling, and a large majority of HBV-susceptible IDUs would willingly accept vaccination. Proactive outreach to increase HBV awareness, and HBV screening followed by vaccination (where appropriate) and effective post-test counseling should be universally accessible to IDUs
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will understand a) that many injecting drug users could benefit from HBV vaccination; and b) that almost all eligible IDUs would be willing to be vaccinated
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Hepatitis B
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.