Substance Use Disorders and Hepatitis C: A Public Health Issue

Objective: Substance use is a gradually increasing public health problem. Viruses such as hepatitis B, C, and HIV can be transmitted with intravenous substance cause significant morbidity mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the HIV, syphilis test results of patients followed at Şanlıurfa Alcohol Drug Addiction Research Treatment Training Center (AMATEM) clinic. Methods: The age, gender, background, information about type addiction HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) were evaluated. Results: A total 427 over 18 who AMATEM clinic between 2021 2022 included in study. Of these, 408 (95.6%) male, 19 (4.4%) female. mean age participants was 27.03±5.5 years. Three hundred fifteen (73.8%) had use, all these (100%) used opioids. HBsAg positivity detected 3 (0.71%), Anti-HCV 52 (12%) patients. While only 20 (38.46%) applied relevant clinics for further testing treatment, HCV-RNA 12 (60%) In addition, frequency genotype higher HCV RNA-positive (66.67%). Conclusion: Opioid forefront both whole patient population anti-HCV positivity. Although high rate compared general population, one out every three treatment. Thanks new treatment options Hepatitis C curable disease. Screening programs are extremely important ensure personal community viral eradication by providing suitable treatments.