Seroprevalence of Infection by Hepatitis C Virus on Entry to Prison in the Prison Population in the North-East of Spain

Abstract

Background: Spanish prisons have a high number of inmates whose behaviour puts them at risk of being infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The object of this study was to establish the prevalence of this infection and its associated factors in the prison population of the north-east of Spain. Methods: Inmates in seven prisons in the north-east of Spain were studied. Socio-demographic and prison variables were gathered, as well as risk factors for infection by HCV. Antibodies against HCV were determined (EIA and INNO-LIA HCV III), Hepatitis B virus (VHB) (EIA), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (EIA and Western-Blott). The analysis of associated factors was based on logistic regression. Results: Of the total number of inmates studied, 47.9% presented HCV antibodies. There was greater prevalence in the case of the following: UDVP (89.6%); those who shared needles (94%); those infected by HIV (92.7%); carriers of Australia antigen (65.1%) and antibodies to the HBV core antigen (79.8%); those who had been in prison before (60.9%); unmarried men (54.8%); gypsies (52%); unqualified workers (50.4%); those who had no basic school qualifications (50.9%); those with tattoos (66.7%); and those with a background of self-inflicted injuries (79.3%). In the logistic regression analysis the variables associated to infection by HCV were: UDVP (OR=33.3; I.C. 95%=25-50), HBcAc (+) (OR=4.1; I.C.95%=1.1-5.3), age (OR= 0.98; I.C. 95%=0.96-1.00), months in prison (OR=1.011; 1.C. 95%= 1.004-1.019) and a background of previous prison sentences (0R=2.3; I.C. 95%=1.5-3.6)... inmates is very hiph. It is therefore recommended that pre\enttve measures be increased (harm reduction programmes 1 and that clinical and analysis protocolo be draun up for those mfected and for treatment m cases of chromc active hepatitts in arder to control this serious public health problem.