Correlates of hepatitis C virus infection in homeless men: a latent variable approach

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Judith A Stein, Adeline M Nyamathi

Abstract

Homeless individuals are at risk for numerous health problems including Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is primarily caused by sharing of equipment associated with injection drug use (IDU). In the current study, we assessed differences among HCV-negative and HCV-positive homeless men residing in Los Angeles (N = 198; about 50% HCV positive) on a number of risk factors and behaviors. Findings revealed several significant correlates of HCV-positive status. HCV-positivity was significantly and positively associated with a history of substance use (IDU and non-IDU), recent IDU-related behaviors including equipment sharing, other forms of sharing (e.g., toothbrushes, razors), homelessness severity, tattoos, sexually transmitted diseases, a jail/prison history, and greater age. Lifetime alcohol problems were not associated with HCV. Although associations of HCV with current IDU-related behaviors are not surprising, it is alarming that these behaviors were recent. Those who work among homeless populations should be aware not only of the high likelihood of HCV infection in this population but also of the transmission risk due to continued IDU sharing behaviors. Substance abuse treatment should be implemented to hinder the spread of HCV in...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 26, 2013·The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·Darlene TylerLillian Gelberg
Sep 10, 2008·Psychology of Addictive Behaviors : Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors·Judith A SteinAdeline M Nyamathi
Dec 12, 2013·Journal of Addictive Diseases·Benissa E SalemMary Marfisee
May 12, 2009·American Journal of Men's Health·Judith A SteinJazmin I Zane
Feb 26, 2010·Harm Reduction Journal·Carol StrikeMargaret Millson
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Jun 15, 2013·American Journal of Public Health·Rachel Hart-MalloyLou Smith
Dec 10, 2014·Addiction Research & Theory·Adeline NyamathiBarbara Leake
Jul 15, 2015·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·Brian R EdlinTracy Swan
Jul 13, 2011·Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver·Eric ChakSammy Saab
Sep 16, 2015·Journal of Addictive Diseases·Catherine A CumminsGrace L Reynolds
Jul 15, 2015·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·Basmattee BoodramCarl Latkin
Nov 19, 2013·Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment·Izaskun IbabePeter M Bentler
May 3, 2014·Journal of Addictive Diseases·Adeline NyamathiBarbara Leake
May 5, 2006·Western Journal of Nursing Research·Adeline M NyamathiAnn Lowe
Sep 7, 2017·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Basmattee BoodramHarel Dahari
Feb 22, 2018·Sexually Transmitted Diseases·Samantha P Williams, Kenneth L Bryant
Apr 5, 2008·Revista de saúde pública·Valquiria O C BritoCassia Maria Buchalla

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