Risk behaviors associated with HIV, HBV, and HCV infection among opioid-dependent individuals under criminal justice supervision

Risky health behaviors are prevalent among substance abusers, leading to higher incidences of HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) within this population. Commercial sex work and other high-risk sexual behaviors are common among substance abusers. Furthermore, infectious diseases and substance use disorders are disproportionately represented among those under criminal justice supervision. Opiate abuse exacerbates HIV and HCV disease progression by compromising immune responses. In Washington, DC, an estimated 3.2% of the population is living with HIV/AIDS, the highest incidence in the nation with injection drug (ID) use as a leading transmission mode. HBV and HCV share common risk factors as HIV, often resulting in co-infection. The present study relies on a sample of opioid-dependent individuals under community supervision in DC (n=130). Within the preliminary sample, 15 (12%) self-reported HIV positive (53% of whom report co-infection) and 36 (28%) self-reported HBV/HCV infection. The relationship between risky health behaviors (i.e. injection drug use, unprotected sex, and commercial sex work) and the incidence of HIV and HBV/HCV were examined using Chi-Square statistics. HIV positive individuals were significantly more likely to self-report ever being arrested or charged with prostitution (x=5.32; p<0.05); however, less likely to self-report recent unprotected sex (x=4.13; p<.05); whereas, those who self reported HBV/HCV were more likely to report ever being an ID user both in their lifetime (x=28.26; p<0.05) and in the past 30 days (x=12.05; P<.01). Addressing risk factors of HIV, HBV, and HCV among at-risk populations may decrease overall prevalence and may inform strategic public health policies and drug treatment options.