High HCV Prevalence and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users in Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Irene Kuo, Salman ul-Hasan, Noya Galai, David L. Thomas, Tariq Zafar, Ahmed Mohammad A, Steffanie A. Strathdee
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
What are the rates of HIV and HCV seroprevalence and associated risk behaviors among injection drug users in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan?
Conclusion
The study found a very high prevalence of HCV (88%) among injection drug users in Pakistan, with no cases of HIV detected.
Supporting Evidence
- HCV seroprevalence was 88% among the study participants.
- None of the participants tested positive for HIV.
- Injection behaviors were significantly associated with HCV seropositivity.
- Awareness of HCV was low at only 19% among participants.
- High-risk behaviors such as sharing needles were common among IDUs.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people who use drugs by injection in Pakistan have a high chance of having hepatitis C, but none have HIV right now.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 351 injection drug users who completed a survey and were tested for HIV and HCV.
Potential Biases
The sample may not be representative of all injection drug users in Pakistan, particularly those not seeking health services.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the true risk of HIV and HCV due to the sample being drawn from health-seeking individuals at harm reduction clinics.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were male, with a median age of 35; less than 50% had any formal education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.0, 11.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website