1. A cross-sectional study of factors associated with COVID-19 testing among people who inject drugs: missed opportunities for reaching those most at risk
- Author
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Samantha, Yeager, Daniela, Abramovitz, Alicia Yolanda, Harvey-Vera, Carlos F, Vera, Angel Blake, Algarin, Laramie Rae, Smith, Gudelia, Rangel, Irina, Artamonova, Thomas Leroy, Patterson, Angela Robertson, Bazzi, Emma L, Brugman, and Steffanie Ann, Strathdee
- Subjects
Adult ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,Adolescent ,Testing ,HIV Infections ,Substance use ,Article ,substance use treatment ,Hepatitis ,Drug Users ,Substance Misuse ,COVID-19 Testing ,Hepatitis - C ,Clinical Research ,Prevalence ,Humans ,Substance Abuse, Intravenous ,Mexico ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Prevention ,Liver Disease ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Substance Abuse ,COVID-19 ,Hepatitis C ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Infectious Diseases ,Emerging Infectious Diseases ,Good Health and Well Being ,Public Health and Health Services ,HIV/AIDS ,Public Health ,Intravenous ,Drug Abuse (NIDA only) ,Digestive Diseases ,Infection - Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We examined correlates of COVID-19 testing among PWID in the U.S.-Mexico border region and described encounters with services representing potential opportunities (i.e., ‘touchpoints’) where COVID-19 testing could have been offered. Methods Between October, 2020 and September, 2021, participants aged ≥18 years from San Diego, California, USA and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico who injected drugs within the last month completed surveys and SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and HCV serologic testing. Logistic regression identified factors associated with COVID-19 testing including potential touchpoints, comorbidities and COVID-19 related misinformation and disinformation. Results Of 583 PWID, 30.5% previously had a COVID-19 test. Of 172 PWID who tested SARS-CoV-2 seropositive (30.1%), 50.3% encountered at least one touchpoint where COVID-19 testing could have been offered within the prior six months. Factors independently associated with at least two fold higher odds of COVID-19 testing were living in San Diego, recent incarceration, receiving substance use treatment, and experiencing ≥1 chronic health condition. Homelessness, having received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and having a HIV or HCV test since the COVID-19 epidemic began were also independently associated with having had a prior COVID-19 test. Conclusion We identified several factors independently associated with COVID-19 testing and multiple touchpoints where COVID-19 testing could be scaled up for PWID, such as SUD treatment programs and syringe service programs. Integrated health services are needed to improve access to rapid, free COVID-19 testing in this vulnerable population.
- Published
- 2022