Short summary

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV), chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV are blood borne infections that can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Chronic hepatitis C is tightly linked to drug use and is the most prevalent of the three. It can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated, that only half of the Danish hepatitis C population has been diagnosed.

Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of HCV in prison populations.

Our study aims to describe the current prevalence of blood borne viral infections and liver fibrosis in Danish prison inmates and to characterize their drug use behaviors.

Description of the cohort

We have included prison inmates from four prisons in the Region of Southern Denmark and from three prisons in the Central Denmark Region. All prisoners of at least 18 years of age who were present at the time of the visit and who were able to give a written consent were offered to participate in the study.

Data and biological material

All participants have filled out a questionnaire with information concerning current and previous incarceration, risk factors for acquisition of the viral infection such as drug and alcohol habits and markers for metabolic syndrome. Height, Weight and waist circumference are recorded for all participants.

We have taken blood samples in the form af dried blood spots, where capillary blood have been drawn onto a piece of filter paper and used for analyses for HBV, HCV and HIV.

All participants have been evaluated for liver stiffness by means of transient elastography and staeatosis  by controlled attenuation parameter.