Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among male injection drug users in detention in Tehran, Iran

• Published in: Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) Vol. 53; no. 2; p. 273
• Main Authors: Kheirandish, P, Seyedalinaghi, S A, Hosseini, M, Jahani, M R, Shirzad, H, Foroughi, M, Ahmadian, M R Seyed, Jabbari, H, Mohraz, M, McFarland, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Infections - complications; HIV Infections - epidemiology; Humans; Iran - epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Substance Abuse, Intravenous - complications; Young Adult; Iran
• ISSN: 1944-7884
• DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181be6dde

To measure HIV prevalence and characterize associated risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDU) upon detention in Tehran, Iran. A cross-sectional survey included 459 male IDU arrested by police during a police sweep in Tehran in 2006. A questionnaire was completed, and blood was collected for HIV testing. Overall HIV prevalence was 24.4% (95% confidence interval 20.5-28.6). Factors independently associated with HIV infection included history of using an opioid in jail (adjusted odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.26-3.53) and older age (adjusted odds ratio 2.79 for 25-34, 3.01 for 35-44, 4.62 for > or = 45 yr). This study supports that incarceration is contributing to the increased spread of HIV. Harm reduction programs should be urgently expanded, particularly among incarcerated IDU.