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HCV Advocate
HBV Advocate


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Notes from the Field: Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Young Adults --- Massachusetts, 2010

During 2002--2009, rates of newly diagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection increased from 65 to 113 cases per 100,000 population among persons aged 15--24 years in Massachusetts (1). Accordingly, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and CDC interviewed persons aged 18--24 years with HCV infection reported to MDPH during July 1--December 31, 2010, to elicit detailed information regarding demographic, clinical, and risk characteristics.

Of the 394 patients indentified, 193 (49%) had a valid telephone number; of those 193 patients, 101 (52%) did not answer after three call attempts, 19 (10%) were either in a drug treatment facility or incarcerated, 19 (10%) refused to participate, 31 (16%) agreed to participate but did not come on the scheduled interview day, and 23 (12%) completed the interview. An additional five persons aged 18--24 years with diagnosed HCV infection during July 1-- December 31, 2010, but not reported to MDPH, were interviewed in a correctional facility, where they were incarcerated.

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