HCV prevalence in methadone maintenance: self-report versus serum test.
OBJECTIVE
To assess hepatitis C virus (HCV) serostatus, risk factors, and desire for education about HCV among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients.


METHODS
We surveyed 200 MMT patients and reviewed charts for 276 patients.


RESULTS
The self-report HCV seroprevalence was 34%, adjusted to 52%. The chart review HCV seroprevalence was 70%. Most participants had risk factors for contracting or spreading HCV.


CONCLUSIONS
There is discrepancy in HCV seroprevalence by self-report versus serum test results among MMT patients. Some HCV+ MMT patients engage in high-risk behaviors for HCV transmission and may not disclose HCV+ status. MMT patients want HCV education.
Weaver
Michael F
MF
Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. mfweaver@vcu.edu
Cropsey
Karen L
KL
Fox
Stephanie A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012650:Self Disclosure; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D008691:Methadone