Naslov
Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Related Risk Factors among Injection Drug Users in Montenegro

Autori
Baćak, Valerio ; Laušević, Dragan ; Mugoša, Boban ; Vratnica, Zoran ; Terzić, Nataša

Izvornik
European addiction research (1022-6877) 19 (2013); 68-73

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
injection drug users ; hepatitis C virus ; risk factors ; Montenegro

Sažetak
Background: In Southeastern Europe, similar to other post-socialist regions on the continent, injection drug users (IDU) are exposed to a high risk of blood-borne infections. In this paper, we report the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) among IDUs in Montenegro. We also examine the risk factors associated with HCV diagnosis. Methods: In 2008, 322 IDUs in Montenegro participated in a respondent-driven sampling survey. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV, HCV, and HBV. Behavioral data were collected with self-administered questionnaires. Results: In comparison to 2005, HCV prevalence increased from an estimated 22 to 53.7%. Only one HIV and no HBV cases were detected. Anti-HCV positivity was associated with the region of origin (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 0.32, p < 0.01), income (AOR 1.80, p < 0.05), sharing injection equipment rarely or sometimes/often compared to never (AOR 2.97, p < 0.01 and AOR 2.40, p < 0.05, respectively), and injecting drugs once daily or more often compared to once weekly or less (AOR 2.43, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The increasing HCV prevalence among IDUs in Montenegro calls for increased and better-designed programs to prevent its further spread and a potential HIV outbreak.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita, Sociologija

POVEZANOST RADA