A clinical study of the prevalence of hepatitis c virus infection and clinical and demographic profile of injectable opioid users presenting to a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND: Substance Use disorder constitutes of cognitive, behavioural, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance related problems.Opioid use disorders affects the huge population around the world. Injectable drug users (IDUs) are the major group of persons infected with Hepatitis C virus infection. AIM: To study the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection and clinical and demographic profile of injectable opioid users presenting to a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Type of the study was cross sectional study. The duration of the study was for 1 year.100 patients of injectable opioid users with opioid dependence from psychiatry Out Patient Department and Indoor Patient Department of Psychiatry, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital who fulfilled the selection criteria and gave written informed consent were recruited for the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analysed using descriptive statistical method. RESULTS: Majority of injectable opioid users (56%) have Hepatitis C virus infection. majority of them (44.6%) were aged 21-24 years.Ninety two point nine percent(92.9%) of Hepatitis C infected patients had shared needle with their partner.48.2 % Hepatitis C infected patients started injecting opioids before 18 years of age. CONCLUSION: From our findings in the study we concluded that vast majority of cases of opioid injectable abusers have Hepatitis C Virus infection. The study helps us to evaluate various factors associated with Hepatitis C Virus infection. Early diagnosis and treatment is very crucial to avoid the serious complication.