Viral hepatitis among male amphetamine-inhaling abusers

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S-W Lai1, W-L Chang, C-Y Peng

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Internal Medicine Journal
|April 21, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hepatitis B and C infections are prevalent in male amphetamine abusers. Tattooing and elevated ALT levels are risk factors for Hepatitis C, while elevated ALT is linked to Hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

  • * Infectious Diseases
  • * Public Health
  • * Substance Abuse Research

Background:

  • * Limited research exists on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in individuals primarily using amphetamines.
  • * Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV in this population is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among male amphetamine-inhaling abusers.
  • * To identify factors associated with HBV and HCV infection in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • * A cross-sectional study conducted from November 2004 to February 2005 in Taiwan.
  • * 285 male amphetamine-inhaling subjects from a prison and 285 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled.
  • * Data collected via face-to-face interviews and serological testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV.

Main Results:

  • * Prevalence rates were 13.3% for HBsAg, 20.0% for anti-HCV, and 2.5% for both.
  • * Multivariate analysis revealed that tattooing (OR 2.97) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 3.15) were significantly associated with anti-HCV positivity.
  • * Elevated ALT levels were also linked to HBsAg positivity (OR 2.60).

Conclusions:

  • * Routine screening for HBV and HCV infections is essential for amphetamine-inhaling abusers.
  • * Tattooing and elevated ALT are identified as key risk factors for HCV infection.
  • * Elevated ALT is a significant indicator for HBV infection in this population.

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