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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Irene Kuo, MPH1, Susan G. Sherman, MPH, PhD1, Daniel Mudrick2, David L. Thomas, MD, MPH3, and Steffanie A. Strathdee, PhD1. (1) Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 627 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-614-5855, ikuo@jhsph.edu, (2) Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 424 N Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
Background: We explored HBV prevalence, correlates, and vaccination status among young IDUs and NIDUs.
Methods: IDUs (n=200) and NIDUs (n=124) aged 15–30 years who initiated heroin, cocaine, and/or crack use <5 years prior were studied. Subjects underwent a baseline survey pertaining to drug and sexual behaviors within the past 6 months; sera were tested for HBsAb and HBcAb. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used to evaluate correlates stratified by injection status.
Results: Median age was 25 years, 57% were male, and 61% had not completed high school; 25% of IDUs and 75% of NIDUs were African-American (p<0.001). HBV prevalence was higher among IDUs than NIDUs (38% vs. 19%, p=0.001), whereas vaccination rates were similar (10% vs. 14%, p=0.31). More NIDUs were susceptible to HBV infection than IDUs (68% vs. 54%, p=0.01). STD history was associated with HBV infection among NIDUs (AOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.4). Among IDUs, injecting daily (AOR=4.3, 95% CI: 2.0–9.2), years since beginning injection career (AOR=1.6 per year, 95% CI 1.3–2.1), ever trading sex for money/drugs (AOR=9.5, 95% CI: 2.5–35.7), being female (AOR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–5.0), and having been incarcerated (AOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.0–7.8) were associated with past infection.
Conclusions: Although HBV prevalence was significantly higher among young IDUs, prevalence of HBV infection among NIDUs was elevated, and a higher proportion of NIDUs remain susceptible. Efforts to identify missed opportunities to increase HBV vaccination coverage among young drug users are urgently needed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Hepatitis B, Injection Drug Users
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.