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Clinical Correlates of HCV-related Knowledge among Persons Who Inject Drugs

Sercan Karabulut

Introduction: Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). A growing literature focused on interventions and treatment strategies, yet little is known about the factors related with HCV-knowledge.

Objectives: The goal of this study was assess the level of HCV-related knowledge among PWIDs and its correlates with high risk behaviors, especially sharing syringe and additional materials while controlling other significant clinical variables.

Methodology: We conducted interviews with PWIDs who consecutively admitted to outpatient treatment clinic (OAT) using a structured interview form, HCV knowledge assessment questionnaire, perception of severity, susceptibility and self-confidence scales, frequency of HCV risk behaviors scale and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder self-report scale (ASRS).

Results: The current study explored correlates of HCV-associated knowledge among 101 patients. Findings indicated that filter sharing (OR=2.26, p=0.047), water sharing (OR=2.5, p=0.039), having tattoo/piercing (OR=2.27, p=0.013) and total score of ASRS (OR=0.08, p=0.038) were associated with HCV knowledge. After a second linear mixed model analysis, adjusting for risk factors, age and gender, only total score of ASRS predicted HCV knowledge (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Patients’ knowledge about HCV was found to be significantly associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Therefore clinicians who consider to treat HCV infection should evaluate clinical factors interrelated with knowledge that may affect treatment retention and distribution of illness.