Prevalence of Hepatitis C in patients with opioid (intravenous) dependence, in a tertiary care hospital of Himachal Pradesh

INTRODUCTION: Blood borne viral infections (hepatitis C, hepatitis B, human immune deficiency virus), constitute a significant public health concern among patients with opioid dependence, especially among intravenous drug users (IDU). AIM: To measure the prevalence of hepatitis C among patients with intravenous opioid dependence, visiting de-addiction clinic, in a tertiary care hospital in the state of Himachal Pradesh. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and June 2021 at de-addiction clinic, department of Psychiatry, IGMC, Shimla. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles of patients with diagnosis of opioid dependence was entered in a pre-structured performa. All these patients were investigated for HCV antibody using ELISA (enzyme linked immunoassay) test. RESULTS: The study sample comprised of 200 male patients, and majority were between age 21-40 years (96.5%), from nuclear families (57%), urban background (56.5%). One fourth (25.5%) reported suicidal ideation/attempt. Intravenous mode of drug use (IDU) was reported by 121 (60.5%) patients, and majority were from nuclear families (64.46%), urban background (49.59%), and 30.58% reported suicidal ideation/attempt. 29 patients (23.97%) tested positive for hepatitis C infection. CONCLUSION: There is high rate of hepatitis C infection among patients with opioid (intravenous) dependence, at our de-addiction clinic. Future studies with large sample size exploring the high risk behaviour practices and studies with longitudinal design to assess treatment retention, are needed.