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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to understand rates hepatitis B seroprevalence among injection drug users in Chicago, IL, Hartford, and Bridgeport, CT.
Background:
Injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for hepatitis B (HBV), yet many have never been vaccinated. The “Syringe Exchange-Based Hepatitis Vaccination Study” is a multi-site, randomized control trial to ascertain the feasibility of offering hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination services through syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in Chicago, IL and Bridgeport and Hartford, CT. The main outcome is to determine the relative effectiveness of a two-month versus a six-month vaccination schedule.
Methods:
Individuals were screened at local SEPs for eligibility for enrollment in the study. Screening procedures included drawing a blood sample and collecting demographic information. In Connecticut, hepatitis B serologies (i.e., anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and HBsAg) were performed; an abbreviated serotesting protocol was utilized in Chicago to determine eligibility. A subset of participants were enrolled in the study if they were (1) seronegative, (2) over 18 years, (3) reported injecting in the previous month, (4) competent to provide informed consent, and (5) willing to receive HBV vaccine and give blood.
Results:
Between May 2003 and April 2005, a total of 1348 participants were screened. The sample was 26% female, 44% African American, and 33% Hispanic. Average age was 41 years old. The overall rate of eligibility for vaccination was 42% with significantly more eligible participants in Chicago; whites were also more likely to be eligible for vaccination (p < .001).
In Connecticut, 10% had already been vaccinated. The rate of previous infection was significantly higher in Hartford (36%) than Bridgeport (21%) (p < .01).
Conclusions:
Although HBV prevalence was high, a large number of IDUs remain susceptible. Susceptible IDUs are more likely to identify as White; females do not appear at higher risk for HBV infection.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference