Prevalence of HIV infection and related risk factors in Isfahan Drop in Centers

Background & Objective: HIV infection is considered as an emerging health problem worldwide due to its related health, social, economic, cultural, and political consequences. Though low HIV prevalence in general population in Iran but its prevalence is concentrated among intravenous drug abusers (IDUs). The prevalence of HIV has been increasing in Iran because of parallel epidemics of both HIV infection and injection drug use. In this study the prevalence of HIV and its related risk factors in Isfahan Drop in Centers (DICs) was determined. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study IDUs attended the DICs in Isfahan province were enrolled. Studied population was selected by census sampling method. Venous blood samples were obtained and HIVAb measured using enzyme linked Immunosorbant (ELISA) method. Detailed information regarding demographic characteristics and risk factors of HIV were collected using a structured questionnaire. Result: HIVAb was measured in 539 IDUs. HIVAb test was positive in 6(1.1%) of IDUs. Mean age of HIV positive patients was 35.1 +/- 8.5 y. All of them were male. All HIV positive patients were positive for HCVAb and none was positive for HBsAg, HBsAb and HBcAb. The most common risk factors were travelling overseas, tattooing, and history of imprisonment. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection is low in Iran. However, considering its related risk factors and high rate of HIV-HCV coinfection, it seems that establishing more effective HIV educational programs to decrease behavioral risk factors and scale up harm reduction interventions in IDUs to reduce the burden of HIV and HCV is still necessary.