Hepatitis C infection among drug addicts
Saudi Medical Journal. 1999; 20 (11): 877-881
in English
| IMEMR
| ID: emr-114845
ABSTRACT
To assess the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection among drug abusers, identify the possible associated risk factors and recognize the characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus positive drug addicts in order to conclude possible health strategies for this category of patients. Drug addicts are prone to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection that can spread concealed to the population. Structured questionnaires were copied from the files of patients hospitalized in Jeddah Al-Amal Hospital during March/April 1998. Striking high prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection was seen among drug addicts and accounted for 63.9%. Intravenous route users were at triple risk to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection [P<0.05]. Heroin addicts were also at triple risk to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection but results were just at level of significance. Alcohol consumers and jobless drug addicts were at higher risk of Hepatitis C Virus infection but results did not reach statistical significance. Hepatitis C Virus infected drug addicts showed a significantly higher mean ALT and mean number of relapses than Hepatitis C Virus negative addicts. Drug addicts are at tremendous risk of Hepatitis C Virus infection. National health educational programs, directed to the population, are mandatory. Hepatitis C Virus screening should be routinely done to all drug addicts. Assessment of liver functions for all Hepatitis C Virus positive drug abusers are crucial and the liver condition of the patients should be taken in consideration during the detoxification therapy
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Index:
IMEMR (Eastern Mediterranean)
Main subject:
Hepatitis C
/
Hepacivirus
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Saudi Med. J.
Year:
1999
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