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Abstract
Social correlates of co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C
Grierson J.1, Pitts M.1, Thorpe R.1, O’Brien M.2
Introduction: We examine the social experiences of those co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C. There is a sizeable literature on the clinical implications of co-infection. Little, however, addresses the lived experience of HIV/hepatitis C co-infection.
Methods: These results are drawn from the HIV Futures 4 survey, a cross-sectional nationwide study of clinical and social aspects of the lives of PLWHA. The study was conducted in 2003 and obtained a sample of 1,059. 16% reported being co-infected with hepatitis C (10% of the Australian co-infected population).
Results: The co-infected sample were younger (42 v 44 years), had been HIV positive for longer (13 v 11 years). 42% reported injection drug use in the previous year. Co-infected PLWHA were more likely to rate their health and well being as poor or fair. There were no differences in CD4 and viral load counts. They were more likely have had hepatitis B (40% v 29%) and less likely to have cleared the hepatitis B virus, and to have had hepatitis A (34% v 26%). They were less likely to be on ARV (62% v 72%), and more likely to have never used (19% v 12%) or stopped using ARV (20% v 16%). Co-infected PLWHA were more likely to report discrimination and disadvantage. 19% reported less favourable treatment due to hep C. More co-infected PLWHA had experienced: disclosure of their HIV status without permission (64% v 53%) and less favourable treatment at a medical service (44% v 32%). They were more likely to be living in poverty (46% v 24%), not employed (63% v 49%), on a benefit (70% v 52%) and in unsuitable housing (37% v 20%).
Conclusions: While many aspects of living with HIV are shared regardless of hepatitis C status, some issues are likely to affect co-infected PLWHA more than
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
TuPe1.1C02
Suggested Citation
"GriersonJ., et al.
Social correlates of co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
TuPe1.1C02"
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