Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV and knowledge among people who use drugs attending methadone therapy clinic in Tanzania; a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Methadone therapy clinics have been recently introduced in Tanzania, aiming at reducing risk behaviors and infection rates of viral hepatitis and HIV among people who use drugs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and knowledge level of these conditions among people who use drugs attending a methadone clinic in Tanzania. Methods We enrolled 253 People who using drugs receiving Methadone therapy. Clinical data was retrospectively collected from the medical records and face-to face interviews were conducted to determine the behavioral risk factors and respondents’ knowledge on viral hepatitis and HIV. Results An overall seroprevalence of viral hepatitis (either hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis C virus) was 6.3%, while that of hepatitis B virus mono infection was 3.5% and anti-hepatitis C antibodies was 3.5%. Seroprevalence of HIV was 12.6%. Viral hepatitis was strongly predicted by advanced age (> 35 years) (p = 0.02) and staying at Kirumba area (p = 0.004), and HIV infection was predicted by increased age (> 37 years) (p = 0.04) and female sex (p < 0.001). Regarding the knowledge of viral hepatitis, majority of the respondents were unaware of the transmission methods and availability of hepatitis B virus vaccines and only 17% were classified as well informed (provided ≥4 correct answers out of 7 questions). Good knowledge was highly predicted by higher education level of the individual (p = 0.001). Conclusions Despite the efforts to curb viral hepatitis and HIV infections through Methadone clinics, infection rates among people who use drugs are still high and the general knowledge on preventive measures is inadequate.

Challenges of sexually transmitted infections and sexual health among people who inject drugs

“…The high risk of STIs among PWID was confirmed in several studies, including 22% self-reported STI history among PWID Mozambique [35] ]. In Tanzania, a survey of street PWID detected 3.7% HBV and 18.3% HIV prevalence [39], which was comparable with 3.5% HBV and 12.6% HIV prevalence found among methadone patients [40]. The pooled prevalence of HBV and HIV among PWID in a global systematic review was 6% (in 37 studies) and 15% (in 74 studies), respectively [41].…”

“…A study of FSW who inject drugs in two Mexico–United States border cities found 24% syphilis and 34% trichomoniasis prevalence, and a strong effect of methamphetamine use in facilitating sex risks, such as condomless sex [10 ▪▪ ]. In Tanzania, a survey of street PWID detected 3.7% HBV and 18.3% HIV prevalence [39], which was comparable with 3.5% HBV and 12.6% HIV prevalence found among methadone patients [40]. The pooled prevalence of HBV and HIV among PWID in a global systematic review was 6% (in 37 studies) and 15% (in 74 studies), respectively [41].…”

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Viral Hepatitis C among Burundian Population during a Screening Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried out in Burundi

“…In the north of the continent, the seroprevalence is moderate in the Maghreb and higher in Libya. In Egypt, the prevalence of VHC is very high and sometimes exceeds 15% [11] [12] [13]; in Tanzania, an east African country, it ranges around 3.5% [14].…”

Plasma Virome Reveals Blooms and Transmission of Anellovirus in Intravenous Drug Users with HIV-1, HCV, and/or HBV Infections

“…Unrecognized or neglected viral infections can be present without symptoms or with mild symptoms and spread to other individuals through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, which may lead to serious complications in the recipients ( 20 , 34 ). Intravenous drug users (IDUs) are one of the major routes of acquiring main blood transmitted viral (HIV-1, HCV, and HBV) infections worldwide ( 35 , 36 ) due to frequent needle sharing and unsafe syringe cleaning practices ( 37 ). Besides, as these population may live with risk behavior, poor health outcome or even suboptimal immune status, they may also tend to acquire other viral infections and even carry novel viruses.…”