Clinical Scorecard: Prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV Among Drug Users in Turkey: A Study of Patients Seeking Treatment
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
HIV, HBV, and HCV infections among substance users
Key Mechanisms
Transmission via injection drug use, risky sexual behavior, and shared needles
Target Population
Patients with substance use disorders seeking treatment at Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment and Education Center (ASATEC) in Turkey
Care Setting
Outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment centers
Key Highlights
Among 8071 patients, HBsAg positivity was 2.2%, anti-HBs 33.2%, anti-HCV 0.8%, and anti-HIV 0.6%.
People who inject drugs (PWID) had significantly higher seropositivity rates: HBsAg 25%, anti-HCV 24.4%, and anti-HIV 10.7%.
HBV and HCV prevalence in substance users was similar to the general population, but awareness and diagnosis are critical to prevent complications and transmission.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Screen all substance users for HBV, HCV, and HIV using serological tests (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV).
Prioritize screening in people who inject drugs due to higher infection rates.
Management
Inform infected individuals about their status to enable timely treatment and reduce disease progression.
Provide appropriate antiviral treatment to prevent cirrhosis, liver cancer, and AIDS-related complications.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular follow-up of infected patients to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
Monitor substance use behaviors to reduce risk of transmission.
Risks
Injection drug use increases risk of HBV, HCV, and HIV transmission via shared needles and risky sexual behaviors.
Unawareness of infection status contributes to ongoing transmission and late-stage complications.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Substance users attending treatment centers in Turkey, including both injection and non-injection drug users
Early diagnosis and patient education are essential to initiate treatment and prevent transmission; treatment uptake may be improved by raising awareness among patients unaware of their infection.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement routine screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV in all patients with substance use disorders.
Focus on targeted interventions for people who inject drugs due to their higher infection prevalence.
Educate patients on transmission risks and the importance of treatment adherence.
Use healthcare information management systems to track screening and follow-up data.
Collaborate with public health initiatives to reduce substance use and associated infectious disease burden.
