Changes in hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence among people who inject drugs in the direct acting antiviral era

Original research
by
Gahrton, Caroline et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

Sweden

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

With the introduction of a needle syringe program (NSP) in Stockholm, Sweden and unrestricted availability of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, we investigate the change of prevalence and incidence of HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) over time.

Findings/Key points

The prevalence of viremic HCV infection decreased from 62% to 30% year 2013-2021 while the prevalence of cured after treatment increased from 0 to 22%, corresponding to 42% cured after treatment out of those eligible in 2021.

Design/methods

All persons attending the Stockholm Needle Syringe Program 2013-2021 (n=4,138) were included.

Keywords

About PWUD
Harm reduction
Injecting drugs
Social benefits