Seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV: The Associated Psychiatric Co-morbidities Among Injection Drug Users in Kashmir- A Hospital-Based Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Injection drug use remains a significant public health concern globally, with injection drug users (IDUs) facing elevated risks of contracting blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study delves into the seroprevalence of these disorders among IDUs in Kashmir and extends further to explore the relationship between injection drug use and psychiatric co-morbidities.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among IDUs recruited from tertiary care drug addiction centers. Those who agreed to participate underwent serological testing for HCV, HBV, and HIV. The presence of psychiatric disorders was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a standardized instrument for diagnosing mental health conditions.

Results: The results showed that the prevalence rate of HCV, HBV, and HIV was 73%, 12%, and 1%, respectively. Genotype 3a was the predominant genotype in 71 (51.5%) participants with detectable HCV-RNA. A total of 151 (50.3%) participants had a comorbid psychiatric illness with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder in 63 (21%) and 36 (12%), respectively. Sharing of paraphernalia was the most common high-risk behavior in 234 (78%). Early initiation of opioid use, a history of sharing of paraphernalia, and the presence of comorbid psychiatric illness were found to be significantly associated with positive serology results, indicating a higher risk of contracting infection (χ = 24.55, < .01; χ = 121.56, < .01; and χ = 4.534, <.01, respectively).

Conclusion: IDUs have an elevated prevalence of HCV, substantial rates of infection with HBV and HIV, and a considerable burden of psychiatric morbidities. Considering the high seroprevalence of hepatitis infections and alarming rates of psychiatric morbidity in IDUs, this calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the interconnected challenges faced by IDUs in Kashmir.