A Comparison of Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Among Young and Older Adult Prisoners. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Dooren, Kate; Kinner, Stuart A.; Hellard, Margaret
• Is Part Of: Journal of correctional health care. Volume 20:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: hepatitis C -- young adults -- prisoners -- injection drugs -- prevention; Prisoners -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 365.667
• DOI: 10.1177/1078345814541536
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3458

Abstract

Internationally, the prevalence of hepatitis C infection is higher among prisoners when compared to the general population, particularly among people who inject drugs. This study estimates the prevalence of, and compares the risk factors for, hepatitis C in young (< 25 years) and older (≥ 25 years) prisoners with a history of injection drug use. Participants were 677 sentenced prisoners in Queensland, Australia, with a lifetime history of injection drug use, recruited in the 6 weeks prior to release from custody. The prevalence of hepatitis C exposure was significantly lower in young prisoners than in older prisoners (20.7% vs. 29.4%, p = .03). Risk factors for hepatitis C varied between young and older prisoners. Young people who inject drugs and who have had shorter time at risk of hepatitis C exposure are an important target group for hepatitis C prevention efforts.