Prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis C infection (HCV) in a multi-site Canadian population of illicit opioid and other drug users (OPICAN)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent in illicit drug user populations, with three in four new HCV infections related to this risk behaviour and a growing HCV disease burden in Canada. Using data from a multi-site cohort study of illicit opioid users in five Canadian cities (OPICAN), this paper explores the prevalence and predictors of HCV status in this high-risk population. METHODS: HCV status of cohort participants was assessed by salivary antibody test. Univariate relationships of HCV status with select Show more