Investigators
- Cheryl Brunton
- Charles Henderson (Needle Exchange New Zealand)
- Katie Mackay
Abstract
Injecting drug users (IDU) are a population at high risk from blood borne virus infections, particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Two previous serosurveys of IDU clients of needle exchanges were done in 1997 and 1998.
During two weeks in November 2004, IDU clients attending nine NZ needle exchanges completed anonymous questionnaires, and provided finger-prick blood samples. Four hundred and twelve people completed questionnaires during the two-week study period. The data from the study has been analysed and a report prepared for the Ministry of Health, who funded the study.
Conference presentation
Brunton C, Henderson C. Viral hepatitis and HIV in NZ injecting drug users – the impact of ac to needle exchange 1997-2004. 5th Australasian Conference on Viral Hepatitis, Sydney, 20-22nd February, 2006.