Injection Drug Use, Multiple Hepatitis Virus Infections, and Migration: A German Study

Abstract

This article examines infection with viral hepatitis A, B, and C and socioethnic factors in a population of injection drug users seeking treatment. The study was conducted between 2001 and 2003 in a rural German hospital; selected sociodemographic and drug-related data as well as a serology for hepatitis A, B, and C were obtained from 1499 patients. Statistical analyses were performed by univariate analysis of variance and post hoc Scheffé tests or with the χ² test and Bonferroni adjustment. Ethnic minority patients manifested a more severe course of addiction and showed a higher frequency of infection with hepatitis A, B, and C. Low-threshold culture-sensitive drug user treatment programs should be implemented and evaluated. The study's limitations are noted.

Keywords:

• injection drug use
• viral hepatitis
• ethnicity
• drug user treatment
• acculturation
• social marginalization