Hepatitis C virus infection in South Australian prisoners: seroprevalence, seroconversion, and risk factors

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dc.contributor.authorMiller, E.
dc.contributor.authorBi, P.
dc.contributor.authorRyan, P.
dc.date.issued2009
dc.description.abstract<h4>Objectives</h4>To determine entry antibody seroprevalence and seroconversion to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated risk factors in newly incarcerated prisoners.<h4>Methods</h4>Males and females entering South Australian prisons completed risk factor surveys and were offered HCV-antibody testing. Participants completed additional surveys and, if HCV-negative at last test, underwent further antibody tests at 3-monthly intervals for up to 15 months. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques.<h4>Results</h4>HCV seroprevalence among 662 prison entrants was estimated at 42%. Previous injecting history was highly prevalent at entry (64%) and both community and prison injecting independently predicted entry HCV status. Tattooing was not an important risk factor. While community exposure could not be ruled out, three seroconversions were noted in 148 initially HCV-seronegative individuals occurring in a median 121 days--4.6 per 100 person-years. Prison injecting was infrequently reported, but HCV-seropositive participants were significantly more likely to commence IDU in prison than seronegative participants (p=0.035).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Entry HCV seroprevalence in South Australian prisoners is extremely high and may have contributed to a 'ceiling effect', minimizing the observable seroconversion rate. Greater frequency of injecting among those already infected with HCV represents a significant threat to other prisoners and prison staff.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityEmma Ruth Miller, Peng Bi and Philip Ryan
dc.description.urihttp://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/701730/description#description
dc.identifier.citationInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2009; 13(2):201-208
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.ijid.2008.06.011
dc.identifier.issn1201-9712
dc.identifier.issn1878-3511
dc.identifier.orcidMiller, E. [0000-0002-6373-5720]
dc.identifier.orcidBi, P. [0000-0002-3238-3427]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/51570
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier Ltd.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2008.06.011
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectHepacivirus
dc.subjectHepatitis C
dc.subjectSubstance Abuse, Intravenous
dc.subjectHepatitis C Antibodies
dc.subjectTattooing
dc.subjectPopulation Surveillance
dc.subjectRisk Factors
dc.subjectSeroepidemiologic Studies
dc.subjectRisk-Taking
dc.subjectPrisons
dc.subjectAdolescent
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectPrisoners
dc.subjectSouth Australia
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectMale
dc.subjectYoung Adult
dc.subjectSurveys and Questionnaires
dc.titleHepatitis C virus infection in South Australian prisoners: seroprevalence, seroconversion, and risk factors
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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