Sociodemographic characteristics associated with hepatitis C among patients admitted for medically managed opioid withdrawal in east Tennessee

Abstract

Background

While Opioid use disorder (OUD)-related mortality is epidemic in the United States, regions like Appalachia are disproportionately affected. Moreover, a dual epidemic of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and OUD-related admissions has been observed.

Objective

To evaluate sociodemographic characteristics of opioid-dependent patients admitted for medically managed withdrawal in East Tennessee and compare those with and without HCV.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of patients with an OUD admitted for treatment, comparing those with and without a history of HCV.

Results

The studied population was found to have high rates of HCV (36%), intravenous drug use (IVDU) (77%), polysubstance use (84%), previous incarceration (87%), and unemployment (80%). Patients with HCV, compared to those without, were significantly more likely to have a history of IVDU, IVDU complications, and polysubstance use.

Conclusions

This sample reflects the significant morbidity of OUD in East Tennessee. To prevent mortality, contributing factors such as polysubstance use and OUD treatment during incarceration need to be specifically addressed.

Keywords:

• Opioid use disorder
• sociodemographic characteristics
• hepatitis C
• IV drug use
• polysubstance use
• medically managed withdrawal
• detox

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Helen Ross McNabb Center in Knoxville, TN for allowing and encouraging this study, particularly Dr. Dovile Paulausakas and Dr. Kellye Hudson. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Author contributions

Conception: RA; Draft Manuscript: RA; Data collection: RA; Contributed Data/Data analysis: RA, OA; Methodology: RA, OA, VC; Critical Revision: VC; Supervision: VC. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This publication was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $399,981.00 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.