Publications

This section includes a variety of documents related to hepatitis C.

Harm reduction and injection drug use: An international comparative study of contextual factors influencing the development and implementation of relevant policies and programs (September 2001)
(860 KB) or HTML
This study examined the socio-political context for harm reduction initiatives related to injection drug use and HIV/AIDS and HCV in Canada and five other countries: Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The aim was to identify options that might be considered to further harm reduction policies and practices in Canada. The study was conducted during January to May 2001 and involved interviews with key informants and reviews of relevant papers and reports.

Estimating the number of persons co-infected with Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency virus in Canada or HTML
(694 KB)
Since infection with HIV may complicate the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and vice versa, we wished to quantify and characterize the extent of dual HCV-HCV infection in Canada. In the first stage of the analysis, we estimated the number of persons infected with HIV according to HIV-defined exposure categories and province/region as of December 1999. Using data from published studies and unpublished reports and the results of a consensus among expert consultants, we estimated the expected HCV prevalence among HIV-infected persons in each HIVdefined exposure category for each region.

Mediums to Reach Injection Drug Users - A Discussion Paper
(64 KB) or HTML
Although the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is relatively new to the healthcare scene, it is attracting a great deal of attention, and compared to HIV, it is far more easily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Currently, through injection drug use and the sharing of needles are the most important mode of transmission of HCV in Canada, accounting for approximately 70% of all prevalent infections (LCDC, 1999). With no vaccine yet available to avert new HCV infections, a key prevention measure is to assist people who partake in or who are at risk of engaging in injection drug use (IDU) to eliminate or reduce their risky behaviours. To facilitate this end, it is critical to understand the most effective medium(s) to reach this population.

Profile of Hepatitis C & Injection Drug Use in Canada
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Recently, there has been growing international concern about the spread and prevalence of the hepatitis C virus among those who inject drugs. Worldwide prevalence estimates range from 50% to 100% infection rates among drug injecting populations (Finch, 1998). In Canada, injection drug use and the sharing of needles are the main cause of hepatitis C transmission, accounting for approximately 70% of all prevalent infections (LCDC, 1999). For this reason, people who inject drugs are a key group and central to the persistence of the hepatitis C virus in Canada. This report examines injection drug use in Canada, characteristics of those who inject drugs, and the identification of high-risk behaviours. This information is intended to provide direction for future initiatives and programming in efforts to reduce the spread of the hepatitis C virus in this country.

Resources for Hepatitis C & Injection Drug Use - A Needs Assessment
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The Hepatitis C Division of Health Canada contracted with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) for a three-part analysis of information resources related to hepatitis C and injection drug use (IDU). The first part involved identification of existing resources. The second part involved identification of gaps, or needed resources. The third part was to create a database of the resources that were identified, and to make this database searchable on the Web. In addition, the essential components of an "ideal" Web site on hepatitis C and IDU were to be identified.

Angus Reid Survey
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The following report summarizes a general population survey regarding general knowledge and awareness of hepatitis C infection. The questions test the level of knowledge and concern about the infection, awareness about the transmission and treatment of the infection, and where Canadians are most likely to get information about hepatitis C.