Prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection among inmates entering the California correctional system

To estimate the prevalence and predictors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infect ion among inmates, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 1994 among inm ates entering six reception centers of the California Department of Correct ions, Discarded serum samples were tested for antibodies to human immunodef iciency virus (HIV), HCV, hepatitis B core, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Of 4,513 inmates in this study, 87.0% were men and 13.0% were wom en. Among male inmates, 39,4% were anti-HCV-positive; by race/ethnicity, pr evalences were highest among whites (49,1%). Among female inmates, 53.5% we re anti-HCV-positive; the prevalence was highest among Latinas (69.7%), In addition, rates for HIV were 2,5% for men and 3.1% for women; and for HBsAg , 2,2% (men) and 1.2% (women). These data indicate that HCV infection is co mmon among both men and women entering prison. The high seroprevalence of a nti-HCV-positive inmates may reflect an increased prevalence of high-risk b ehaviors and should be of concern to the communities to which these inmates will be released.