HIV and Hepatitis Infections Among Male Injecting Drug Users in Kabul
Author Information
Author(s): Todd Catherine S, Nasir Abdul, Stanekzai M Raza, Fiekert Katja, Rasuli M Zafar, Vlahov David, Strathdee Steffanie A
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among male injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan?
Conclusion
HIV and HCV prevalence appear stable among Kabul IDUs, but the number of new injectors raises concerns about increasing transmission risk.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV prevalence was found to be 2.1% among participants.
- HCV prevalence was significantly higher at 36.1%.
- 53.8% of participants were using needle and syringe program services at enrollment.
- Risky injecting practices included sharing needles/syringes and other injecting equipment.
Takeaway
This study looked at men in Kabul who use drugs by injection and found that while the rates of HIV and hepatitis are stable, more people are starting to inject drugs, which could lead to more infections.
Methodology
Participants completed questionnaires and rapid testing for HIV, HCV, HBsAg, and syphilis; logistic regression was used to identify correlates of infections and NSP use.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may have affected self-reported behaviors, and the transient nature of IDU networks could compromise recruitment validity.
Limitations
The study used convenience sampling, which may not represent all IDUs in Kabul, and did not collect data on those who declined to participate.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male, median age 28, with a significant portion having lived outside Afghanistan in the last 5 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.0-3.8 for HIV prevalence; 95% CI: 31.8-40.4 for HCV prevalence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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