Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV infections among prisoners of Kermanshah, Iran: a cross sectional study

Background and objectives: Prisoners are a high risk group to transmit blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We were aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections among the prisoners of Kermanshah, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study included 1034 voluntarily enrolled male prisoners in the major prisons of Kermanshah. A questionnaire was provided from all the participants using direct interview by an expert. To test for HIV, HBV, and HIV infections, 5ml of blood samples was collected from each participant. The samples were screened for the infections using rapid methods and the positive tests were confirmed using ELISA. Findings: In general, 1034 male prisoners participated in our study. The mean age of individuals was 35.52±8.12 ranging from 19-64 years. Prevalence of HBsAg, HCV Ab and HIVAb were in male prisoner was 1.25 %( 95% CI: 0.67-2.14), 22.2 %(95% CI: 19.7-24.2) and, 3.09%(95%CI= 2.1-4.3) respectively. Eighty five percent (886) were current cigarette smokers and 366(35.4%) subjects had history of hookah smoking. Ninety three percent (965) and 78 %( 807) had at least once in life time drug use and alcohol drinking respectively. From 1034 subjects 613(59.3%) cases had history of heterosexual, 95 cases (9.2%) cases history of homosexual and 168(16.2%) cases history of rectal sex. Conclusion: Although HBV infections were shown to be lower in Kermanshah than some regional parts of the country; HCV and HIV showed a greater prevalence. Serological screening at the time of admission, treatment of the positive cases, and providing facilities to reduce transmission can be effective steps in decreasing prevalence of infectious disease among inmates.

کلیدواژه ها:

HIV ، Hepatitis B Virus ، Hepatitis C Virus ، prison ، Iran