High prevalence but low awareness of hepatitis C virus infection among heroin users who received methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan

BackgroundThis study investigates the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among heroin dependent individuals who received methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan. Also, we investigate users' awareness of HCV.MethodsParticipants were 773 heroin users entering the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program at Tsaotun Psychiatric Center in Taiwan. The presence of HCV antibodies was detected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between HCV infection and correlates.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV infection was 90.8%. All participants who were HIV-positive were also infected with HCV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the route of heroin administration (injection), HIV-infection, and criminal records were significantly related to HCV infection. Few (34.8%) HCV positive heroin users were aware of their infection.ConclusionAn extremely high prevalence of HCV infection but low awareness of their infection status was found among MMT patients in Taiwan. These findings highlight the importance of education regarding risky behaviors and the necessity for HCV treatment for this population in Taiwan.

► The prevalence of HCV among heroin users seeking MMT in central Taiwan was 90%.
► Only one third of HCV positive heroin users were aware of their infection.
► Injection, HIV-infection, and criminal records were significantly related to HCV.