Evaluation of Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Philadelphia's Shelter-Bound, Homeless Population: Data from a Student-Run Hepatitis C Virus Screening Initiative.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2021

Abstract

The objective was to assess risk factors for HCV specific to the shelter-bound homeless population of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is a retrospective analysis of data obtained from 306 patients who received HCV antibody testing at 4 homeless shelters in Philadelphia between March 2017 and June 2019. Risk factors for HCV infection specific to this population were analyzed using Fischer exact tests. Fourteen (4.6%) of 306 patients screened positive for HCV infection. Risk factors for HCV infection among this shelter-bound homeless population included injection drug use, inhalation drug use, and tattoos obtained while incarcerated. Although an estimated 2.8% of the population of Philadelphia is infected with HCV, 4.6% of those screened in this program tested positive, highlighting the increased prevalence of HCV among the shelter-bound homeless population and the importance of assessing risks for HCV infection inherent to this specific population.

Volume

24

Issue

4

First Page

448

Last Page

453

ISSN

1942-7905

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

33252303

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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