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A cross-sectional study of factors associated with COVID-19 testing among people who inject drugs: missed opportunities for reaching those most at risk
- Source :
- BMC public health, vol 22, iss 1, medRxiv, article-version (status) pre, article-version (number) 1
- Publication Year :
- 2022
- Publisher :
- eScholarship, University of California, 2022.
-
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.
- 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
Subjects
Details
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- BMC public health, vol 22, iss 1, medRxiv, article-version (status) pre, article-version (number) 1
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....38efd77de7096c5c35bf53b9d5ab6099