Abstract
Introduction
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and excessive alcohol consumption are major public health concerns that frequently co-occur, compounding the risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Despite the clinical implications of their intersection, few nationally representative studies have explored this relationship using recent data. This study updates prior research by examining alcohol use patterns among HCV-positive individuals using NHANES data from 2011 to March 2020.
Methods
We analyzed cross-sectional data from NHANES, focusing on adults aged 20 years and older (N = 19,571). Participants were categorized by alcohol use patterns: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, non-excessive current drinkers, and excessive current drinkers. Associations between HCV status and alcohol use were examined using survey-weighted logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors.
Results
HCV-positive individuals had nearly four times the prevalence of excessive alcohol use compared to HCV-negative individuals (PR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.2–6.0), even after adjusting for covariates. Excessive alcohol use was also more common among men, those without health insurance, and individuals with lower educational attainment. No significant association was observed between HCV status and former drinking. Former drinkers were more likely to be older, female, and living near or below the poverty line.
Conclusion
Excessive alcohol consumption is disproportionately high among individuals with current HCV infection. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and behavioral interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm in this population. Expanding access to care and tailoring public health efforts to vulnerable subgroups may improve outcomes for individuals living with HCV.