RELIS was established in 1995 and conceived on the methodological assumption that data exclusively collected from drug treatment settings may not provide an accurate picture of the problem drug-using population as it notably excludes out-of-treatment drug users who for instance have had conflicts with law enforcement bodies due to the problematic aspect of their drug use. Įpidemiological follow-up of problem drug use in Luxembourg relies on a nation-wide multi-sector surveillance system called "RELIS". The same prevalence trend is observed among nIDUs for HBV and HIV infections. Prevalence of HCV among nIDUs varies in Europe between 10 and 20% and remains higher than among the general population.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) prevalence in IDUs ranges between 0% and 21% in the European Union, although it does not exceed 5% in most Member states. Limited prevalence data exist for hepatitis A (HAV) infection in the same population. The positivity of the Hepatitis core antibody (anti-HBc) which indicates a contact with the viral particle reveals a hepatitis B prevalence over 40%. Prevalence figures for Europe in 2007-08 were highly variable due to differences in vaccination coverage.
Before 2005, data on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in IDUs were limited. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in injecting drug users varies between regions in Europe from 40 to 90%. Improvement should be looked for by the provision of field healthcare structures providing tests with immediate results, advice, immunisation or treatment if appropriate. Our study showed that implementing risk-prevention strategies, including immunisation remains difficult with PDUs. Conclusionsĭespite the existing national risk-reduction strategies implemented since 1993, high prevalence of HCV and HBV infections in injecting drug users is observed. Only 56% of the participants in outpatient centres collected their serology results and 43 doses of vaccine against HAV and/or HBV were administered. Age, speedball career and nationality were significantly associated with HBV seropositivity. Age, imprisonment and setting of recruitment were statistically associated with HCV seropositivity. Prisoners showed the highest rates for all infections.
Risk factors such as drug use, sexual behaviour, imprisonment, protection and health knowledge (HAV, HBV status and immunisations, HCV, HIV), piercing/tattoo and use of social and medical services were studied by means of chi2 and logistic models. A response rate of 31% resulted in the participation of 310 IDUs and 58 nIDUs. MethodsĪ nationwide, cross-sectional multi-site survey, involving 5 in-, 8 out-treatment and 2 prison centres, included both an assisted questionnaire (n = 368) and serological detection of HIV and Hepatitis A, B, C (n = 334). Secondary objectives were immunisation against HAV and HBV, referral to care and treatment facilities as well as reduction in risk behaviour. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of HAV, HBV, HCV and HIV infections in ever injecting (IDUs) and non-injecting drug users (nIDUs) including inherent risk factors analysis for IDUs.
In Luxembourg, viral hepatitis and HIV infection data in problem drug users (PDUs) are primarily based on self-reporting.