Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among young Thai men

Anchalee Jatapai, Kenrad E. Nelson, Thippawan Chuenchitra, Khunakorn Kana, Sakol Eiumtrakul, Ekachai Sunantarod, Ram Rangsin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are unusual in developing countries, especially Thailand. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for HCV among military conscripts, including a sample of 5,246 men (1:30 sample), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 positive men (N = 500) between 2005 and 2008. The HCV prevalence was 2.2% in the sampled group and 8.4% in HIV-1 sero-positives. Among the sampled group, HIV-1 infection, injection drug use (IDU) history, and unsafe injections were associated with HCV infection; adjusted prevalence rate ratios [RRs; 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were 3.7 (1.04-12.77), 1.9 (1.04-3.54), and 1.8 (1.02-3.11), respectively. Among HIV-1 sero-positives, an IDU history and residence in southern Thailand were associated with HCV prevalence; adjusted RRs (95% CIs) were 3.5 (1.71-7.24) and 2.6 (1.18-5.61), respectively. Public health measures to prevent HCV in Thailand should focus on reducing injection drug use and other exposures to unsafe injections among young Thai men.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)433-439
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume83
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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