Objectives: This study sought to reveal the knowledge about and perceptions of risk for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) contraction among methamphetamine users. Methods: Data for this study were drawn from a larger qualitative and quantitative study, which looked at emerging drug trends in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. Eighty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted using theoretical sampling to produce a demographically varied population of methamphetamine users from the Atlanta area. Qualitative data were managed by QSR NUD*IST. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory. Results: Findings revealed that respondents are at high risk for contracting HCV as a result of their methamphetamine use, primarily due to sharing drug equipment. However, the respondents felt little, if any, risk for contracting HCV. Moreover, the study found that many respondents were either misinformed or knew little about HCV and routes of transmission. Conclusions: A marked difference exists between actual risk and perceived risk for contraction of HCV in this population. Increased efforts are needed to educate methamphetamine users about HCV, routes of transmission, and prevention strategies. Furthermore, due to a dearth of science-based information regarding non-injection related transmission of HCV, future research is needed to study risks associated with both injecting and non-injecting routes of administration.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to identify potential routes of HCV transmission as a result of methamphetamine use. 2. Participants will be able to list prevention and intervention strategies used to reduce the transmission of HCV among methamphetamine users.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Substance Abuse
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.