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Key findings from a national enhanced HIV surveillance system: 2010 - 2012
J Tarasuk1, S Ogunnaike-Cooke1, C Archibald1
1Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Summary
High rates of HIV and hepatitis C infection were found in Canadian people who inject drugs. Continued prevention and treatment services are crucial for this key population to combat the HIV epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- People who inject drugs (PWID) are a significant risk group in Canada's HIV epidemic.
- I-Track is a national surveillance system monitoring HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among PWID.
- Phase 3 of I-Track (2010-2012) collected data across 11 sentinel sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HIV and lifetime hepatitis C exposure in Canadian PWID.
- To identify associated risk behaviors among this population.
- To inform and evaluate HIV and HCV prevention and control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional surveys administered to 2,687 participants who injected drugs in the prior six months.
- Interviewer-administered questionnaires and blood sample collection for HIV and HCV antibody testing.
- Descriptive analyses with sex-based comparisons were conducted.
Main Results:
- HIV seroprevalence was 11.2%, and lifetime hepatitis C exposure was 68.0%.
- Commonly injected drugs included cocaine, hydromorphone, and heroin.
- Reported risk behaviors included sharing needles (15.5%) and unsafe sexual practices (e.g., 36.6% condom use at last sex).
Conclusions:
- HIV and hepatitis C infection rates remain high among Canadian PWID.
- Despite some reported safe practices, significant risk behaviors persist, driving transmission.
- Continued integrated testing, treatment, and prevention services are essential for this population.
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