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Reduction in HCV incidence among injection drug users attending needle and syringe programs in Australia: A linkage study

Author

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  • Iversen, J.
  • Wand, H.
  • Topp, L.
  • Kaldor, J.
  • Maher, L.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined trends in HCV incident infection among injection drug users (IDUs) attending needle and syringe programs (NSPs) in Australia in 1995 to 2010. Methods. We created a passive retrospective cohort of 724 IDUs who tested negative for HCV antibodies by a simple deterministic method linking partial identifiers to find repeat respondents in annual cross-sectional serosurveillance. Results. We identified 180 HCV seroconversions over the study period, for a pooled incidence density of 17.0 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.68, 19.66). Incidence density declined, from a high of 30.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI = 21.3, 44.6) in 2003 to a low of 4.0 (95% CI = 1.3, 12.3) in 2009. Conclusions. A decline in HCV incidence among Australian IDUs attending NSPs coincided with considerable expansion of harm reduction programs and a likely reduction in the number of IDUs, associated with significant changes in drug markets. Our results demonstrate the capacity of repeat cross-sectional serosurveillance to monitor trends in HCV incidence and provide a platform from which to assess the impact of prevention and treatment interventions. © 2013 American Journal of Public Health.

Suggested Citation

  • Iversen, J. & Wand, H. & Topp, L. & Kaldor, J. & Maher, L., 2013. "Reduction in HCV incidence among injection drug users attending needle and syringe programs in Australia: A linkage study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(8), pages 1436-1444.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2012.301206_7
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301206
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