Hepatitis C Screening in Intravenuos Drug Users in Golpayegan, Isfahan through Community Announcement: Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Intravenous drug abuse is a worldwide problem with side effects as hepatitis C. Hepattis C infection, which has severe complications like cirrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a tragedy for communities; so, screening it in intravenous drug abusers has a lot of benefits. According to lack of a community based study in Isfahan, Iran, this pilot study carried out in Golpayegan city in Isfahan Province. Methods: In a cross sectional pilot study, hepatitis C in intravenous drug abusers population in Golpaygan, Isfahan was screened by community annaouncement method. After co-opperation with managers, administrative stafs and all of the stakeholders, the study population was invited to refference laboratories where blood samples were chpsen and tested for anti-HCV-Ab. The results were sent privately and patients were invited to participate in educational and treatment procedure. Finding: From 136 persons participated voluntarily, 28 were anti-HCV-Ab positive (19.8%). Conclusion: In this pilot study, 85% of estimated population was participated that is excellent experience for larger studies.

Keywords

• Screening
• Hepatitis C
• Community-based announcement
• Iran