The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64040

Edward V Morse, PhD, Department of Pediatrics SL-37, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504.568.6256, gbear@tulane.edu, Patricia Morse, LCSW, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, LSU Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, and Charles C Foti, JD, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff, 2800 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70119.

Objective: To examine the HIV and HCV sexual and drug use risk behaviors of 16 to 30 year old incarcerated African American IDUs. Methods: Over 100 young (16-30 year old) recently incarcerated African American IDUs were interviewed at baseline using ACASI as part of a NIDA- funded risk reduction intervention study. Data collected include demographics, substance use history, high risk injecting behaviors including direct and indirect syringe sharing, syringe acquisition and high risk sexual practices including number of partners, trading sex for drugs and condom use. Results: Mean age of participants is 24years, 92% are male and 46% of the participants are HCV positive. There are no statistically significant differences in HCV status and gender, age, marital status, monthly income or homelessness prior to incarceration. HCV sero-status is not associated with pharmacy purchase or SEP use, number of sex partners, condom use, or the sale of sex for drugs. However, individuals with less than a high school or GED education are significantly more likely to be HCV positive (OR=2.65; CI=1.05-6.68). HCV sero-status is significantly related to number of years injecting (OR=3.33; CI =1.29-8.56) and other high risk injection practices. HCV positive participants are more likely to have ever shared syringes (OR=4.94; CI=1.91-12.60), to have shared cookers (OR=6.38; CI=2.48-16.42), cotton (OR=3.67; CI=1.47-9.14), rinse water (OR=5.54; CI=2.06-14.89) or back-loaded (OR=5.13; CI=1.66-15.87). Conclusion: Behavioral interventions aimed at reducing the transmission of HCV while addressing safer sex practices should focus primarily on eliminating direct and indirect syringe sharing and enhancing other injection-related change behaviors.

Learning Objectives:

1.Identify HCV risk factors among incarcerated IDUs
• Prioritize behavioral interventions for HCV risk reduction among IDUs

Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Hepatitis C

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.