Contact-tracing among injection drug users in a rural area

An epidemic of hepatitis B occurring in 1988 and 1989 in Cape Breton brought to light the existence of a group of "buddies" who engaged in injection drug use. Interviewing was conducted by Public Health in 82% of the 186 IDU contacts named. In comparison with published reports of contact-tracing efforts for viral hepatitis among IDUs, the Cape Breton experience seems successful. This article describes the approach used by Public Health. Aspects of the management of the epidemic and the interview technique which may have contributed to the comparative success of contact-tracing include collaboration with family physicians and laboratories; collaboration among public health investigators; and a nonjudgemental interview technique with 6 "golden rules".