HIV and HCV testing for young drug users in Rhode Island

J Adolesc Health. 2006 Mar;38(3):302-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2005.02.015.

Abstract

Young injection drug users (IDU) are at risk for both human immunonodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C infections (HCV). Rates of HIV testing have been widely documented, but limited information exists regarding HCV screening rates. Among a community sample of 86 IDUs, aged 18-25 years in Rhode Island, 87.2% reported ever testing for HIV versus 51.2% for HCV (p < .001). Young injectors were under-screened for HCV compared with the far less prevalent HIV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Rhode Island
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*