Minskad smittspridning av hepatit C - en effekt av sprututbytesverksamheter?

Sammanfattning: In recent years, the number of syringe exchange programs have dramatically increased in Sweden and by the end of 2023 the programs will be established in every region of the country. For the cases of hepatitis C where the route of infection was established, it was reported that about 80% were infected through unclean injection equipment. The number of cases per 100 000 inhabitants has steadily declined over the past years. During the same time that syringe services programs have been introduced, the cost for hepatitis C treatment has fallen. This paper examines if syringe exchange programs have a significant effect on reducing the cases of hepatitis C. Panel data for the period 2000-2021, with observations from all regions except the small region of Gotland are analyzed through an OLS-regression. Various variables are included in the model, such as year, regional presence of syringe services programs, gross regional product and economical assistance for housing. The first model shows no statistically significant effect from the presence of syringe programs on the number of cases with hepatitis C. While the results from the second model show a positive effect from the presence of syringe services programs on the number of hepatitis C cases, meaning the model predicts more cases of hepatitis C when syringe programs are present. This paper's result is the opposite of the expected result, it may be due to the increased hepatitis C screening that occurs because of syringe exchange programs.