Assessing Disparities in the Rates of HCV Diagnoses Within American Indian or Alaska Native Populations Served by the U.S. Indian Health Service, 2005-2015

J Community Health. 2018 Dec;43(6):1115-1118. doi: 10.1007/s10900-018-0528-7.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The Indian Health Service (IHS), via federal and tribal health facilities provides medical services to an estimated 2.2 million AI/AN people in the United States. HCV diagnoses, defined by International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, were analyzed from 2005 to 2015. Results showed 29,803 patients with an HCV diagnosis; 53.4% were among persons born 1945-1965 and overall HCV burden was higher among males than females. These data will help inform local, regional, and national efforts to address, plan for and carry out a national strategy to provide treatment for HCV infected patients and programs to prevent new HCV infections.

Keywords: American Indian Alaskan Native; Hepatitis C virus; Indian Health Service.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alaska Natives / statistics & numerical data*
  • Computers
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / ethnology*
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Inuit / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Sex Factors
  • United States
  • United States Indian Health Service

Substances

  • Hepatitis C Antibodies