Introduction: Nonsterile injection practices and unprotected sexual contact places injecting drug users (IDUs) at risk for viral hepatitis. While there are vaccines against hepatitis-A (HAV) and -B (HBV) and therapy for hepatitis-C (HCV), prevention among IDUs remains problematic. Methods: Hepatitis knowledge and vaccination history were obtained from IDUs at 2 NYC SEPs Results: At SEP#1 (n=86), 84% knew of HAV; 38% and 26% cited shared needles and contaminated food as means of transmission. 47% had heard of HAV vaccine; 10% had received it. 84% knew of HCV; 44% knew HCV causes chronic liver disease. 55% cited shared needles, 20% shared injection equipment, and 48% unprotected sex as means of HCV transmission. 34% knew HCV treatment exists. 32 had been HCV tested; 47% were positive. 60% reported providers discussed treatment: 13% were treated. At SEP#2 (n=81), 97% were HBV tested. 48% had heard of HBV vaccine; 7% had received any vaccine. 60% and 22%, respectively, cited sharing needles and other injection equipment as a means of transmission; 54% identified unprotected sex as a risk. 78% were concerned about HBV. 83% (30/36) of vaccine eligible subjects completed HBV vaccine series. Conclusions: IDUs attending SEPs are aware of and concerned about their hepatitis risk. However, significant knowledge deficits exist. The majority did not know vaccines were available to prevent HAV/HBV or that HCV therapy exists. Adherence to HBV vaccination at SEPs appears promising. SEPs may be valuable site for targeted hepatitis prevention efforts.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusions of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Describe knowledge of hepatitis transmission, prevention and treatment among injection drug users at 2 SEPs and 2) Identify areas that could be targeted to improve hepatitis prevention, screening and treatment efforts among active IDUs at SEPs.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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Relationship: Not Received.