Sociodemographic characteristics associated with hepatitis C among patients admitted for medically managed opioid withdrawal in east Tennessee

Background While Opioid use disorder (OUD)-related mortality is epidemic in the United States, regions like Appalachia are disproportionately affected. Moreover, a dual epidemic of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and OUD-related admissions has been observed. Objective To evaluate sociodemographic characteristics of opioid-dependent patients admitted for medically managed withdrawal in East Tennessee and compare those with and without HCV. Methods Cross-sectional study of patients with an OUD admitted for treatment, comparing those with and without a history of HCV. Results The studied population was found to have high rates of HCV (36%), intravenous drug use (IVDU) (77%), polysubstance use (84%), previous incarceration (87%), and unemployment (80%). Patients with HCV, compared to those without, were significantly more likely to have a history of IVDU, IVDU complications, and polysubstance use. Conclusions This sample reflects the significant morbidity of OUD in East Tennessee. To prevent mortality, contributing factors such as polysubstance use and OUD treatment during incarceration need to be specifically addressed.