Confronting the emerging epidemic of hcv infection among young injection drug users

R. Valdiserri, J. Khalsa, C. Dan, S. Holmberg, J. Zibbell, D. Holtzman, R. Lubran and W. Compton

American Journal of Public Health, 2014, vol. 104, issue 5, 816-821

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus infection is a significant public health problem in the United States and an important cause ofmorbidity andmortality. Recent reports document HCV infection increases among young injection drug users in several US regions, associated with America's prescription opioid abuse epidemic. Incident HCV infection increases among young injectors who have recently transitioned from oral opioid abuse present an important public health challenge requiring a comprehensive, community-based response. We summarize recommendations from a 2013 Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy convening of experts in epidemiology, behavioral science, drug prevention and treatment, and other research; community service providers; and federal, state, and local government representatives. Their observations highlight gaps in our surveillance, program, and research portfolios and advocate a syndemic approach to this emerging public health problem.

Keywords: adolescent; age distribution; article; epidemic; female; hepatitis C; human; incidence; male; mass screening; opiate addiction; primary prevention; public health; research; sentinel surveillance; sex ratio; substance abuse; United States, Adolescent; Age Distribution; Epidemics; Female; Hepatitis C; Humans; Incidence; Male; Mass Screening; Opioid-Related Disorders; Primary Prevention; Public Health; Research; Sentinel Surveillance; Sex Distribution; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; United States (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301812_4

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301812

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