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Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
HCV communication within ego-centric networks of men and women who inject drugs
Marisa Felsher1, Karin E Tobin2, Mark Sulkowski1
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Introduction:
Leveraging interpersonal communication among social networks of people who inject drugs (PWID) may be an innovative strategy to increase awareness and access to hepatitis C (HCV) care. However, little is known about HCV communication patterns among PWID and if these patterns vary by gender.
Methods:
Egocentric network data collected at baseline from HCV-infected PWID enrolled in a randomized HCV treatment intervention trial in Baltimore, Maryland were analyzed. Logistic generalized estimating models were conducted to identify predictors of HCV communication.
Results:
Among 227 PWID, the mean age was 43.8 (SD=10.3), 28.2% (n = 64) were women and 71.8% (n = 163) were men. Female participants reported 516 dyadic relationships and male participants 1139 dyadic relationships. While there were significant gender differences based on socio-demographics, risk behavior and network composition, there were few differences in HCV communication patterns. Both men and women had increased odds of HCV communication with alters who are currently enrolled in drug treatment (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), alters with whom participants share drug preparation equipment (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9-4.6), alters who are sex partners compared to kin (AOR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9) and alters with whom respondents have increased trust (AOR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.11.2) and daily/weekly interactions (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3-2.1).
Conclusion:
PWID engaged with trusted alters about HCV disclosure and information, highlighting the important role network interventions could play in this vulnerable population.
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