Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia

Dore, Gregory J.; Law, Matthew; MacDonald, Margaret; Kaldor, John

doi:10.1016/s1386-6532(02)00116-6

Cited by 172 publications

(125 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…In Australia, HIV prevention has been considered a paradigm of efficient, coordinated and timely intervention, characterizing one of the contexts where the epidemic among IDUs was "prevented" (Des Jarlais et al 1995). However, even such a paradigmatic set of interventions still requires further improvement to effectively curb HCV spread, due to the higher background prevalence of HCV (in mature epidemics) and putative greater transmission efficacy of HCV vis-à-vis HIV (Dore et al 2003).…”

Section: Recent Findings From Brazilian Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome decreasing among Brazilian injection drug users? Recent findings and how to interpret them

Bastos

Bongertz

Teixeira

et al. 2005

Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz

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Section: Recent Findings From Brazilian Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome decreasing among Brazilian injection drug users? Recent findings and how to interpret them

Bastos

Bongertz

Teixeira

et al. 2005

Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz

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“…In Eastern Europe, IDUs account for the majority of new HIV cases and in some countries also most hepatitis C cases, mainly due to sharing contaminated syringes or other injection equipment. [1][2][3] IDUs have several sources of syringes-friends, other drug users, sexual partners, street vendors, syringe exchange programmes (SEPs), and pharmacies, depending on convenience and availability. For example, in Russia, more than 90% of IDUs acquired their syringes from pharmacies, and only a minority had ever had contact with a SEP. 4 While in Tallinn, Estonia, about 60% of IDUs reported SEP/SEP outreach as the main source for clean syringes, and 38% mentioned pharmacies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Should Pharmacists have a Role in Harm Reduction Services for IDUs? A Qualitative Study in Tallinn, Estonia

et al. 2009

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Despite the high number of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Estonia, little is known about involving pharmacies into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention activities and potential barriers. Similarly, in other Eastern European countries, there is a need for additional sources for clean syringes besides syringe exchange programmes (SEPs), but data on current practices relating to pharmacists' role in harm reduction strategies is scant. Involving pharmacies is especially important for several reasons: they have extended hours of operation and convenient locations compared to SEPs, may provide access for IDUs who have avoided SEPs, and are a trusted health resource in the community. We conducted a series of focus groups with pharmacists and IDUs in Tallinn, Estonia, to explore their attitudes toward the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention activities for IDUs. Many, but not all, pharmacists reported a readiness to sell syringes to IDUs to help prevent HIV transmission. However, negative attitudes toward IDUs in general and syringe sales to them specifically were identified as important factors restricting such sales. The idea of free distribution of clean syringes or other injecting equipment and disposal of used syringes in pharmacies elicited strong resistance. IDUs stated that pharmacies were convenient for acquiring syringes due to their extended opening hours and local distribution. IDUs were positive toward pharmacies, although they were aware of stigma from pharmacists and other customers. They also emphasized the need for distilled water and other injection paraphernalia. In conclusion, there are no formal or legislative obstacles for providing HIV prevention services for IDUs at pharmacies. Addressing negative attitudes through educational courses and involving pharmacists willing to be public health educators in high drug use areas would improve access for HIV prevention services for IDUs.

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“…Illicit drug users who inject drugs (IDUs) place themselves at elevated risk of contracting HCV infection. HCV prevalence among IDUs ranges from 45% to 95% in cities around the world (Dore et al, 2003;Alter, 2002;Miller et al, 2002;Hahn et al, 2001;Hagan, 1998). Heavy alcohol use is also common among IDUs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of illicit drug use and harmful drinking on quality of life among injection drug users at high risk for hepatitis C infection

Costenbader

Zule

Coomes

2007

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

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Background-Heavy alcohol use, hepatitis C and illicit drug use each have been shown to have negative impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQL). To date, considerations of HRQL have not played a prominent role in the design and measurement of intervention strategies for out-oftreatment at-risk populations.Methods-Data were collected from out-of-treatment IDUs recruited through street outreach in North Carolina. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the independent effects of HCV status, harmful drinking (AUDIT), and illicit drug use on HRQL (SF-36).Results-Fifty-one percent of 619 study participants tested HCV-positive; 57% met criteria for harmful or hazardous drinking and 63% reported daily use of hard drugs. HRQL scores for this population were significantly lower than those of the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that harmful levels of alcohol consumption and use of methamphetamine in the past month had the strongest associations with reduced HRQL.Conclusions-Given the high rates of HCV in most IDU communities, new harm reduction approaches are needed for these populations which focus beyond prevention to the functioning and well-being of those already infected. In particular, reducing heavy alcohol use in addition to slowing HCV progression shows promise for improving HRQL.

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Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia

Cited by 172 publications

References 55 publications

Is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome decreasing among Brazilian injection drug users? Recent findings and how to interpret them

Is human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome decreasing among Brazilian injection drug users? Recent findings and how to interpret them

Should Pharmacists have a Role in Harm Reduction Services for IDUs? A Qualitative Study in Tallinn, Estonia

The impact of illicit drug use and harmful drinking on quality of life among injection drug users at high risk for hepatitis C infection

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