Author/Authors :
Mohtasham Amiri, Z. guilan university of medical sciences - School of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine, ايران , Rezvani, M. guilan university of medical sciences - School of Medicine, Vice-Chancellor s Office, ايران , Jafari Shakib, R. guilan university of medical sciences - School of Medicine - Department of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, ايران , Jafari Shakib, A. guilan university of medical sciences - School of Medicine, Vice-Chancellor s Office, ايران
Abstract :
This was a cross-sectional prevalence study to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and high-risk behaviours in drug abusers admitted to prison in Guilan province, northern Islamic Republic of Iran. Subjects were asked about risk behaviours for acquiring HCV and blood was drawn for HCV antibody testing using ELISA techniques. Of 460 inmates, the mean duration of drug use was 8.9 years; 51.7% were opium users and 18.3% heroin users. HCV risk behaviours were common in this population and 209 inmates (45.4%) were HCV antibody positive (88.9% of intravenous drug abusers). HCV-positive status was significantly associated with intravenous drug use, having skin tattoos and number of times in prison.
