Persisting local variations in prevalence of hepatitis C virus among Scottish problem drug users: Results from an anonymous screening study

Aims: To investigate local variations in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus among Scottish problem drug users.

Methods: Respondents from the 2001/2002 Drug Outcome Research in Scotland (DORIS) national cohort study were reinterviewed at eighteen months and provided oral fluid samples for anonymous screening for HCV (N = 788).

Findings: The prevalence of HCV among those samples available for testing was 37.5% (95% CI: 34.1-41.1). Substantial variations in prevalence were found between different NHS Board areas, with the Greater Glasgow prevalence rate being more than three-times that in the Lothian (Edinburgh district) area.

Conclusions: While annual summaries of HCV positive tests reported by the Scottish regional virus laboratories have previously shown regional prevalence differences, those data may be influenced by local testing policies. These data, from a national sample broadly representative of Scottish drug users seeking treatment, provide important confirmation of persistent local variation in prevalence. The need for a greater concentration of services resources in high prevalence areas is apparent.