Prevalence of hepatitis C in a drug using and non-using welfare population.
BACKGROUND
Drug use is a primary route for the transmission of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). A substantial proportion of welfare recipients have been shown to be substance abusers. In addition, federal legislation has imposed limits on the number of months individuals may receive benefits and has mandated most recipients to participate in a 'work activity' in exchange for benefits. HCV symptoms may inhibit welfare recipients' ability to seek and maintain employment.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of HCV in a sample of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients and the effects of HCV antibody seropositivity on employability.


METHODS
The sample for this study consisted of 380 individuals participating in a longitudinal study of employment patterns among TANF recipients in Houston, TX, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Private interviews regarding welfare receipt, employment, and drug use were conducted at intake into the study and at 4-month intervals for one year. Participants agreed to a one-time blood test. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies by enzyme linked immunoassay.


METHODS
Employment status over time by HCV antibody status.


RESULTS
Overall, 12% of all participants tested positive for the presence of HCV antibodies. A significantly greater proportion of chronic drug users (31%) than non-drug users (4%) tested positive for the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies. Those who tested positive for hepatitis C had significantly lower rates of employment.


CONCLUSIONS
Potential infection with Hepatitis C may constitute an employment barrier for many welfare recipients.
Montoya
Isaac D
ID
Affiliated Systems Corporation, 3104 Edloe, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77027, USA. imontoya@affiliatedsystems.com
Atkinson
John S
JS
Lichtiger
Benjamin
B
Whitsett
Donna D
DD
D000328:Adult; D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012946:Social Welfare; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology