Viral hepatitis C infection among people with intravenous drug abuse at Maeramat district, Tak province, Thailand

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among intravenous drug users and compare the baseline characteristics and risk factors of HCV-positive and HCV-negative persons in Mae Ra Mat District, Tak Province, Thailand. BACKGROUND: In Southeast Asia, including Thailand, HCV antibody has been found in at least 50% of intravenous-drug users (IVDUs). In Thailand, the prevalence of HCV among IVDUs is particularly high. METHODS: Data from illicit-drug users registered with the hospital methadone treatment program from 2013 to 2019 were reviewed according to inclusion criteria. RESULTS: 289 people were included in the study. Male participants comprised the overwhelming majority, at 89.6%. Most of the participants were Thai (80.6%) and from Mae Ra Mat (95.2%). The study population was 100% heterosexual. The most common age group was 42-51 years (29.4%). Prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV among study population were 64.4%, 11.8% and 2.4% respectively. In all, 225 people reported using injection drugs, and of these, 169 (75.1%) were HCV-antibody positive. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the IVDUs in this study were at up to 10-fold higher risk of contracting HCV. CONCLUSION: Mae Ra Mat District has a large number of opium users, most being IVDUs. With the high prevalence of HCV infection within Mae Ramat, raising local community awareness about HCV infection and route of transmission is desperately needed. High HCV antibody-positive rates require the adoption of appropriate preventive measures and additional support for the current methadone treatment program in Mae Ra Mat Hospital. Further studies with HCV RNA confirmation tests are needed.