In response to a request from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Hepatitis C Task Force for data to evaluate self-reported risk as a means for identifying inmates with antibody to hepatitis C (HCV), a voluntary linked HCV seroprevalence study was conducted among inmates reporting risk factors for HCV infection. The study was conducted at the DOC intake facility for men (March – June 2000) and the similar facility for women (May – September 2000). At the time of intake physical examination, a risk assessment questionnaire was completed by health services unit staff and blood samples drawn for anti-HCV (Ortho Diagnostics HCV EIA 3.0) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing from all inmates who gave informed consent. Thirty-one percent (181/581) of men declined to participate in the study. None of the 416 female intakes declined study participation. Test results were returned to the medical director of each facility and explained to participants. HCV seropositivity was 27.3% (109/400) in men and 43.9% (181/416) in women. Fifty-nine percent of men and 68% of women reported injecting and/or snorting non-prescription drugs, and 92% of anti-HCV+ intakes reported one or both of these risk factors (98 men, 168 women). Injecting and snorting were associated with HCV+ serostatus [prevalence ORs=38.92, 95% CI (25.8, 58.7), and 6.22, 95% CI (4.3, 8.9), respectively]. Sensitivity of self-report of injecting or snorting for identifying anti-HCV+ individuals was 80.3% and 84.8%, respectively. In contrast, sensitivity of elevated ALT test result (>40 IU/liter) was 51.2%.
Learning Objectives: 1) Recognize the public health problem of HCV in correctional setting 2) Identify risk factors for HCV infection 3) Evaluate self-reported risk as a method for identifying anti-HCV positive inmates
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Risk Factors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Ortho Diagnostics HCV EIA 3.0
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.