Hepatitis C Knowledge and Alcohol Consumption among Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Shanghai, China

Objective: The aim was to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) knowledge and alcohol consumption among patients (n = 114) in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic in Shanghai. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in an MMT clinic. Structured questionnaires (HCV Knowledge Scale and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)) and some open-ended questions were used to assess (i) HCV knowledge, (ii) HCV treatment received, (iii) awareness of HCV status, and (iv) alcohol consumption. Results: Findings revealed the HCV-positive rate was 57.0%. There were significant gaps in knowledge about HCV and HCV treatment received. The group mean score of HCV knowledge was 11.3 out of 20 (SD = 2.1) and the mean score on the AUDIT was 3.2 (SD = 5.4). Most participants (68.4%) reported not knowing their HCV status. Among HCV-positive participants, only 15.3% had received HCV antivirus treatment and 18.4% expressed a need for counseling about HCV infection. Conclusions: Considering the limited HCV knowledge and low level of HCV treatment received, effective HCV education and intervention strategies should be developed to target patients in China's MMT clinics. Moreover, alcohol screening should also be part of the routine assessments within MMT programs. Scientific Significance: This study reveals the importance of HCV testing and education among drug users in MMT clinics.