title: Outlier populations: individual and social network correlates of solvent-using injection drug users.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We previously identified a high prevalence of Hepatitis C (HCV) amongst solvent-using injection drug users (S-IDU) relative to other injection drug users within the same locality. Here we incorporated social network variables to better characterize some of the behavioural characteristics that may be putting this specific subgroup of IDU at elevated disease risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of at-risk populations was carried out in Winnipeg, Canada in 2009. Individuals reporting any history of injection drug and/or solvent use were included in the study. Associations between subgroup membership, infection with HCV and HIV and individual and social network variables were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In relation to other IDU, S-IDU were more likely to be infected with HCV, to report ever having shared a syringe, and to associate with other IDU. They were further differentiated in terms of their self-reported sexual orientation, ethnicity and in the injection drugs typically used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Solvent use stands as a proxy measure of numerous other characteristics that put this group of IDU at higher risk of infection. Provision of adequate services to ostracized subpopulations may result in wider population-level benefits.
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors: Souradet Y
authors: SY
authors: Shaw
authors: Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Ann M
authors: AM
authors: Jolly
authors: Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ; Cadham Provincial Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada ; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors: John L
authors: JL
authors: Wylie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D015438:Health Behavior; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents