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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Risk Factors for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Syphilis among Heroin Users in Northern Taiwan

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Pages 89-98 | Published online: 18 Oct 2012
 

Abstract

A total of 125 heroin users were recruited from a detention center and two psychiatric hospitals in northern Taiwan during 2006 in order to investigate the prevalence and correlates of blood-borne infections among heroin users. The seroprevalence rates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HBV, HDV, and syphilis were 15.2%, 74.4%, 15.2%, 6.4%, and 8%, respectively. Injection risk behaviors were associated with HIV, HCV, and syphilis infections, but not with HBV infections. Meanwhile, HCV and HBV infections were correlated with the duration of heroin use and age of the subjects, respectively. The results of this study suggest that a comprehensive public health program is needed to prevent transmission of these blood-borne infections. The study's limitations are noted.

RÉSUMÉ

Facteurs de risque pour le VIH, l'hépatite virale et la syphilis chez les héroinomanes Taiwanais

Pour étudier les infections par voie sanguine des héroinomanes, 125 consommateurs ont été recrutés dans des prisons et hôpitaux Taiwanais. Les taux de séroprévalence du VIH, VHC, VHB, VHD et de la syphilis s’étendent de 6.4% à 74.4%. Les injections à risque sont liées au VIH, le VHC et la syphilis; pas au VHB. Les infections par le VHC et le VHB sont liées à l’âge et la durée de consommation. Un programme de santé publique est nécessaire pour réduire leur transmission.

RESUMEN

Factores de riesgo de contagio de VIH, hepatitis vírica y sífilis entre consumidores de heroína en Taiwán

Para investigar las infecciones de transmisión sanguínea entre consumidores de heroína, reclutaron a 125 personas en Taiwán. Las tasas de prevalencia del (VIH), (VHC), VHB, VHD, y sífilis fueron de 15.2%, 74.4%, 15.2%, 6.4%, y 8% respectivamente. El riesgo al inyectarse fueron asociadas a VIH, VHC y sífilis, pero no al VHB. Las infecciones con VHC y VHB se correlacionaron la duración del consumo de heroína y la edad. Los resultados sugieren un programa integral de salud pública para prevenir la transmisión.

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