ABSTRACT
Although social networks are known to play an important role in drug-using behaviours associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, literature on social networks and HCV is inconsistent. This exploratory study examined HCV RNA distribution within a social network of anti-HCV-positive non-medical prescription opioid users (NMPOUs) in rural Appalachia. Participants were tested serologically for HCV RNA, and behavioural, demographic, and network data were collected using interview-administered questionnaires. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Behavioural and demographic characteristics did not differ by RNA status. In the multivariate model, recent injecting drug users (IDUs) were more likely to be RNA positive [odds ratio (OR) 4·06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·04-15·83], and turnover into an IDU's drug network was significantly protective (OR 0·15, 95% CI 0·03-0·75). This is the first study to date to examine HCV distribution in rural NMPOUs from a network perspective and demonstrates that network characteristics significantly contribute to the epidemiology of HCV in this understudied, high-risk population.
Subject(s)
Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage , Drug Users/statistics & numerical data , Hepacivirus/isolation & purification , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Prescription Drug Misuse/statistics & numerical data , Social Support , Viremia/epidemiology , Adult , Cohort Studies , Female , Hepacivirus/genetics , Hepacivirus/immunology , Hepatitis C/virology , Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood , Humans , Injections, Intravenous/trends , Kentucky , Logistic Models , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Prescription Drug Misuse/trends , RNA, Viral/blood , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
Research suggests that structural properties of drug users' social networks can have substantial effects on HIV risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the structural properties of Appalachian drug users' risk networks could lend insight into the potential for HIV transmission in this population. Data from 503 drug users recruited through respondent-driven sampling were used to construct a sociometric risk network. Network ties represented relationships in which partners had engaged in unprotected sex and/or shared injection equipment. Compared to 1,000 randomly generated networks, the observed network was found to have a larger main component and exhibit more cohesiveness and centralization than would be expected at random. Thus, the risk network structure in this sample has many structural characteristics shown to be facilitative of HIV transmission. This underscores the importance of primary prevention in this population and prompts further investigation into the epidemiology of HIV in the region.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/transmission , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Social Facilitation , Social Support , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/epidemiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Appalachian Region , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/psychology , Humans , Kentucky , Male , Middle Aged , Needle Sharing/psychology , Needle Sharing/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Sampling Studies , Sociometric Techniques , Unsafe Sex/psychology , Unsafe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
A entrada de animais infestados por carrapatos nas regiöes livres, nos meses de veräo, provoca surtos de tristeza parasitária nos animais nativos, que normalmente se encontram sem proteçäo para esta enfermidade. Nos veröes de 1987 e 1988, ocorreram vários focos isolados de carrapatos em Santa Vitória do Palmar, regiäo indene do extremo sul do Brasil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo colaborar no esclarecimento do assunto, chegando os autores à conclusäo de que o carrapato ali existente é o Boophilus microplus, naturalmente livre de Babesia spp
