Prevalence and correlates of HIV and HCV infection among amphetamine-type stimulant users in 6 provinces in China.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

China has experienced an epidemic of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use in recent years. The present study explored the status and correlates of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among ATS users in China.

METHODS:

A multicenter cross-sectional study of HIV and HCV status and associated behaviors among ATS users was conducted in 6 provinces from September 2009 to December 2010. Socioeconomic/behavioral risk factors were measured. Blood samples were collected to test for HIV and HCV antibodies.

RESULTS:

Of the 1327 ATS users, the prevalence of HIV and exposure to HCV were 4.5% and 43.5%, respectively, with large geographic variations (0%-20.3% and 8.6%-67.1%, respectively). HIV infection was independently associated with living in Yunnan province [adjusted odds ratio = 15.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0 to 125.1), polydrug use (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.4), increased frequency of sexual behavior (adjusted odds ratio = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.1), history of sex with sexually transmitted infection-positive persons (adjusted odds ratio = 11.4; 95% CI: 1.3 to 98.9), and HCV infection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.2 to 6.7). HCV was associated with study site, marital status, unemployment (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.4), a longer duration of ATS use, and history of injection use of ATS (adjusted odds ratio = 13.3; 95% CI: 1.5 to 116.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of HIV was high among ATS users in Yunnan province but quite rare elsewhere, and the prevalence of exposure to HCV was high in 6 provinces. Risk factors emphasize the need for new prevention strategies toward this population at risk in China.

• Authors: Yan-Ping Bao, Zhi-Min Liu, Zhi Lian, Jian-Hua Li, Rui-Min Zhang, Cong-Bin Zhang, Wei Hao, Xu-Yi Wang, Min Zhao, Hai-Feng Jiang, Shi-Yan Yan, Qing-Liang Wang, Zhi Qu, Hao-Ran Zhang, Ping Wu, Jie Shi, Lin Lu
• Journal: Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr) Vol. 60 Issue 4 Pg. 438-46 (Aug 01 2012) ISSN: 1944-7884 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22481605 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• HIV Antibodies
• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• Amphetamine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Amphetamine (administration & dosage)
• China (epidemiology)
• Coinfection (epidemiology)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• HIV Antibodies (blood)
• HIV Infections (complications, epidemiology)
• Hepatitis C (complications, epidemiology)
• Hepatitis C Antibodies (blood)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Seroepidemiologic Studies
• Substance-Related Disorders (complications)
• Young Adult