TABLE 2.
Characteristics of participants with persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) versus those with HCV clearance over the previous six months
| Characteristic | HCV persistence (Ab+/RNA+) (N=583), n (%) | HCV clearance (Ab+/RNA–) (N=179), n (%) | OR (95% CI) | P* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol use | ||||
| None | 323 (55.4) | 94 (52.5) | − | – |
| Any | 260 (44.6) | 85 (47.5) | 1.1 (0.80–1.6) | 0.55 |
| Illicit drug use | ||||
| None | 42 (7.2) | 19 (10.6) | – | – |
| Any | 541 (92.8) | 160 (89.4) | 0.65 (0.37–1.2) | 0.19 |
| Injection drug use | ||||
| None | 243 (41.7) | 88 (49.1) | – | – |
| Any | 340 (58.3) | 91 (50.8) | 0.74 (0.53–1.0) | 0.09 |
| Injection cocaine use | ||||
| None | 306 (52.5) | 106 (59.2) | – | – |
| Any | 277 (47.5) | 73 (40.8) | 0.76 (0.54–1.1) | 0.14 |
| Injection heroin use | ||||
| None | 388 (66.6) | 128 (71.5) | – | – |
| Any | 195 (33.4) | 51 (28.5) | 0.79 (0.55–1.2) | 0.25 |
| Crack cocaine use | ||||
| None | 162 (27.8) | 56 (31.3) | – | – |
| Any | 421 (72.2) | 123 (68.7) | 0.85 (0.59–1.2) | 0.42 |
*
As determined by the χ2 or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. – Negative; + Positive; Ab Antibody