Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men at a Boston community health center and its association with markers of high-risk behavior

The present study sought to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) seen at a community health center, and to examine risk factors associated with infection. The study population included 218 MSM who were screened for HCV infection during routine clinic visits from May through December, 2001. Eighty-four percent of those screened (n = 183) agreed to complete a self-report questionnaire assessing drug use, sexual practices, and medical history. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 54 years. The majority of participants (82%) self-identified as Caucasian and 35% were HIV-positive. Prevalence of HCV infection was 11.5%. Men infected with HCV were more likely than HCV uninfected men to be coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B, and to have a history of rectal or urethral gonorrhea. HCV-infected men were more likely to have seen blood on shared cocaine straws and to have used crack cocaine in the past 6 months. Overall, 12% of HCV-infected men reported no parenteral risk factors for HCV infection. HCV seropositivity was significantly associated with an aggregate score representing high-risk behavior in the past six months. HCV prevention and screening should target MSM engaging in high-risk sex. Conversely, HIV and sexually transmitted infection risk reduction interventions should be targeted at MSM with HCV.