We identified a 41.4% prevalence of hepatitis C virus, absence of HIV, and unexpectedly high frequency of hepatitis C virus genotype 3 among suburban New Jersey heroin users 17–35 years of age during 2014–2015. Despite 2 clinicians prepared to engage these users, few were successfully linked to care and treated.
Aims:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and behavioural risk factors from the baseline data of a large prospective cohort study initiated in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Method: The study population consisted of adult volunteers who resided in two towns, Gulsehir and Avanos, of the Cappadocia region. For the planned community-based intervention trials, Gulsehir served as the "intervention" town and Avanos was the "control" town. The study was initiated in 2013 and was planned to be continued for a minimum of 10 years. Study offices were established in both towns and trained personnel conducted electronic Cappadocia cohort studyTurk J Public Health 2018;16(3) 191 questionnaires and physical examinations by visiting households and working places. Results: In total, 10,992 individuals were enrolled. Compared to Turkey's adult population, the mean age (44.5±17.4 years vs. 31.9±21.2 years) and the female proportion (56.5% vs. 51.2%) were higher but the proportion of university graduates (17.1% vs. 32.2%) was lower in the study cohort. The rates of females having obesity (39.0% vs. 20.8%) and high-risk waist circumference (61.8% vs. 30.7%) were higher than males. Obesity was also a very prevalent risk factor among females in both towns (36.9% in Avanos and 41.5% in Gulsehir). Physical activity levels were low; only 6% of females and 8% of males were "active" or "very active" even at the youngest age group (18-34 years). The rate of smoking was higher in males than in females (46.9% vs. 13.8%). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatologic diseases were higher in females than in males (p<0.0001 for each); however, no significant differences were obtained for cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In both towns, hypertension was the most commonly reported chronic disease followed by DM, hyperlipidaemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: Baseline data revealed a high prevalence of modifiable lifestyle risk factors in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and elucidated the need for effective community-based interventions. Bir prospektif kohort çalışmasının temel verileri:Kapadokya kohort çalışması, Türkiye Öz Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Türkiye'nin Kapadokya bölgesinde başlatılan geniş bir prospektif kohort çalışmasının temel verilerinden kronik hastalıkların ve davranışsal risk faktörlerinin prevalansını belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Çalışma popülasyonu Kapadokya bölgesinin iki ilçesi Gülşehir ve Avanos'ta ikamet eden yetişkin gönüllülerden oluşuyordu. Toplum temelli olarak planlanan bu müdahale çalışmasında Gülşehir "müdahale", Avanos "kontrol" ilçesi olarak seçildi. Çalışma 2013 yılında başlatıldı ve en az 10 yıl devam etmesi planlandı. Her iki ilçede de çalışma ofisleri kuruldu ve eğitimli personeller tarafından ev ve iş yeri ziyaretleri ile elektronik anketler uygulandı ve fizik muayeneler yapıldı. Bulgular: Toplamda 10.992 kişi kaydedilddahil edildi. Türkiye'nin erişkin nüfusu ile karşılaştırıldığında, çalışma kohortunda yaş ortalamas...
BackgroundThe pattern of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission routes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has not been previously well characterized. A recent meta-analysis reported a general population HCV prevalence of 5.4% and HIV co-infection prevalence of 3.6% in SSA, with considerable regional variation.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in Kumasi, Ghana. Subjects were recruited from patients attending an STI clinic at a government-supported health center. Subjects completed a survey emphasizing known risk factors for HCV, including sexual behaviors, to capture potential routes of exposure. Surveys were administered in Twi, the local language, with the assistance of trained interpreters. Blood samples were collected and tested for HCV antibodies using DiaSpot Anti-HCV Rapid Screen Tests (USA). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression using SAS 9.4.ResultsOf the total 312 subjects, 15 were HCV positive (prevalence 4.8%). The HIV-HCV co-infection prevalence was 5.5%. After adjusting for age and sex, statistically significant associated risk factors for HCV infection (P < 0.05) include no/low level of education vs. tertiary (OR 5.0), northern region of birth vs. central region (OR 7.3), and traditional body scarring (OR 4.1). Rough sexual practices, ie dry sex, sores, were also explored and were associated with HCV infection (P = 0.02). Post-hoc stratified analysis of HIV-infected individuals (n = 201) was performed to identify risk factors among those with HCV co-infection. Significant risk factors (P < 0.05) in this sub-population include northern region of origin (OR 12.4) and traditional scars or marks (OR 4.6).ConclusionTwo risk factors for HCV infection, ie region of birth and traditional scarring, were significant in both the total clinic population and HIV co-infected individuals suggesting cultural practices are contributing to an increased risk of infection. Among HCV positive individuals, rough sexual practices were significant risk factors; whereas, IV-drug abuse was not. While HCV treatment exists, it is not currently available in West Africa; therefore, it is critical to identify risk factors to best target education programs and screening of populations to limit disease spread.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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