Socio-demographic Profile and Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B & C in Treatment Seeking Intravenous Opioid Drug Users in Southern Rajasthan: A Hospitalbased Survey

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic profile, pattern of drug use and seropositivity of HIV, Hepatitis B and C in treatment seeking intravenous (IV) opioid users.

Methodology: Thirty in-patients diagnosed with opioid dependence syndrome, using the substance via IV route were recruited for the study.

Results: All patients recruited were males with a mean age of 28.1 (± 8.1) years with majority (60%) of them between 21-30 years of age. The mean age of onset of IV drug use was 26 (± 8.1) years. Most common comorbid substance use was nicotine (93.3%). Ten percent of the patients reported sharing needles. A majority (60%) of the patients tested positive for Hepatitis C and 26.7% tested positive for HIV. No patient was tested positive for Hepatitis B.

Conclusion: IV opioid users do not indulge in safe injectable practice, hence are at a high risk of transmittable infections like HIV and hepatitis. There is presence of coinfection for both HIV and Hepatitis C that can result poorer outcomes. Intensive Longitudinal multicentric studies need to be carried out to determine the seropositive status and prevalence trends to allow for preventable measures.