Viral hepatitis among drug users in methadone maintenance: associated factors, vaccination outcomes, and interventions

J Addict Dis. 2014;33(4):322-31. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2014.969623.

Abstract

Drug users are at high risk of viral Hepatitis A, B, and C. The prevalence of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, associated factors, and vaccine seroconversion among drug treatment program participants in a randomized controlled trial of hepatitis care coordination were examined. Of 489 participants, 44 and 47% required Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B vaccinations, respectively; 59% were Hepatitis C positive requiring linkage to care. Factors associated with serologic statuses, and vaccine seroconversion are reported; implications for strategies in drug treatment settings are discussed. Results suggest generalizable strategies for drug treatment programs to expand viral hepatitis screening, prevention, vaccination, and linkage to care.

Keywords: Hepatitis C; Viral hepatitis; methadone maintenance treatment program; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / immunology
  • Hepatitis A / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • San Francisco / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines

Substances

  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
  • Methadone