Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C in drug abusers referring to methadone clinics at Fasa city in 2014

Introduction and Objectives: In Iran, drug-users especially intravenous drug users are considered among high-risk groups for HIV and HCV infection. Given the key role of preventive measures to control these disease, ongoing surveillance is essential in high-risk groups. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of these infections in drug-users admitted to MMT centers in Fasa and their relation with some risky behaviours among them. Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study performed on 252 drug-users admitted to MMT clinics in Fasa during 7 weeks in the months of June and July 2015 with venous blood sampling, completing a check list of high risk behaviors and risk factors for HIV and HCV infection, and testing blood samples for Anti-HIV Antibody and Anti-HCV Antibody titer with ELISA kit. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21 and p-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: Of the 252 subjects, 30 (11.9%) were HCV positive and 9 (3.6%) were HIV positive. The prevalence of HIV and HCV in individuals with a history of injection was 19.2% and 50% respectively and in individuals without a history of injection was 1.8% and 7.5% respectively. As well as in those with a positive history of injecting drug use (p <0.001), history of injecting drug use with shared equipment (p<0.001), and history of imprisonment or detention (p<0.001), the prevalence of HCV, and in people with a history of injecting drug use (p<0.001), a history of injecting drug use with shared equipment (p<00.01), history of imprisonment or detention (p=0.008) and a history of unprotected extra-martial sex (p=0.047) HIV prevalence was significantly higher. Conclusion: Given the notable prevalence of these diseases in Fasa city in drug users, particularly injecting drug users and probable lack of awareness of some patients about their disease, while taking measures to raise awareness and reduce harm, is felling the need to more widespread surveillance and screening.

کلیدواژه ها:

Prevalence ، HIV ، HCV ، Drug users ، Methadone maintenance treatment