title: Transitions from injecting to non-injecting drug use: potential protection against HCV infection.
abstract: Transitions from injecting to non-injecting drug use have been reported from many different areas, particularly in areas with large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics. The extent to which such transitions actually protect against HIV and HCV has not been determined. A cross-sectional survey with HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) testing was conducted with 322 former injectors (persons who had injected illicit drugs but permanently transitioned to non-injecting use) and 801 current injectors recruited in New York City between 2007 and 2012. There were no differences in HIV prevalence, while HCV prevalence was significantly lower among former injectors compared to current injectors. Years injecting functioned as a mediating variable linking former injector status to lower HCV prevalence. Transitions have continued well beyond the reduction in the threat of AIDS to injectors in the city. New interventions to support transitions to non-injecting drug use should be developed and supported by both drug treatment and syringe exchange programs.
authors.affiliation: Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10038, USA. Electronic address: ddesjarlais@chpnet.org.
authors.forename: Don C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Des Jarlais
authors.affiliation: Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10038, USA.
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McKnight
authors.affiliation: Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10038, USA.
authors.forename: Kamyar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arasteh
authors.affiliation: Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10038, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feelemyer
authors.affiliation: Don C. Des Jarlais Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10038, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Perlman
authors.affiliation: New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY 10003, USA.
authors.forename: Holly
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hagan
authors.affiliation: Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Hannah L F
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Drug use; HCV; HIV; Injecting drug use; Non-injecting drug use; Substance abuse