Patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of substance abuse among hepatitis C virus-infected patients in Iraq: a cross-sectional study

Background Substance use disorders are a widely recognized problem among hepatitis C-infected patients; moreover, substance abuse by intravenous injection is a common mode of transmission of the hepatitis C virus worldwide. The frequency of substance use disorders and their relation to hepatitis C infection are still unknown in Iraq. This cross-sectional study, conducted among a sample of hepatitis C- infected patients attending the Gastrointestinal Tract Center in Baghdad Medical City, aimed to examine the prevalence of substance use disorders, the sociodemographic characteristics of the abusers, and the relation between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C virus infection. All participants were subjected to an Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire and a data form to determine sociodemographic characteristics and hepatitis C virus-related risk factors. Results In a total of 300 hepatitis C virus-infected patients, the prevalence of substance use disorders was 53.6%. Among these patients, 43.6% abused nicotine, 6% abused licit drugs, and 4% abused alcohol. No one reported illicit drug abuse. Intravenous drug abuse was rare, and there was no relationship found between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C infection. Cupping (23%) and blood transfusion (20.3%) were both significantly associated with hepatitis C transmission in this study ( p > 0.001). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence (53.6%) of substance abuse in this sample of hepatitis C-infected patients, with nicotine being the most commonly abused substance. However, there was no relationship between hepatitis C infection and intravenous drug abuse. Common risk factors that might contribute to hepatitis C transmission among this population include cupping and blood transfusion.