Prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Iran: 2017

Background: Globally, the prevalence of HIV infection among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) is higher than the general population due to high-risk behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among male PWIDs in Kermanshah city in 2017. Methods: We surveyed 606 male PWIDs in Kermanshah city. Data on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors associated with HIV infection were gathered through structured interviews. HIV was also measured through venous blood testing. Eligible participants were recruited from two drop-in centers using snowball sampling. Simple and multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the risk behaviors of HIV infection. Results: Among 606 male PWIDs in this study, prevalence of HIV infection was 6.40% (95% CI: 1.61-4.32). Older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15) and older age at first drug injection (Adjusted Odds Ratio; AOR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.97) were risk factors for HIV infection. Conclusion: This study implies that prevalence of HIV among male PWIDs is higher than the general population. Older age and older age at first drug injection were risk factors for HIV infection.