Prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV and Related Risk Factors amongst Male Homeless People in Lorestan Province, the West of Iran

Doosti-Irani, Amin and Mokhaeri, Hamid and Chegini Sharafi, Ali and Aghasadeghi, Mohammad Reza and Hajimiragha, Morteza and Saki, Mohammad and Kayedi, Mohammad Hassan and Mostafavi, Ehsan (2017) Prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV and Related Risk Factors amongst Male Homeless People in Lorestan Province, the West of Iran. Journal of Research in Health Sciences, 17 (1).

Preview

Text 3132-14397-2-PB.pdf Download (532kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Homeless people are at a higher risk of blood-born infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and related risk factors among male homeless people. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted in Khorramabad City, western Iran from January to June 2015. A pre-designed validated questionnaire was used to collect the data on behavioral and other potential risk factors. Blood samples were taken in order to diagnose HIV, hepatitis B and C infections. The prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, C and related risk factors was reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The participants were 307 male homeless people with a mean (±SD) age of 35.86 (±9.62) yr. The prevalence of HIV, HBs Ag, and HCV Ab positive cases was 6.51% (95% CI: 4.23, 9.90), 0.98% (95% CI: 0.31, 3.00), and 31.27% (26.31, 36.71), respectively. The prevalence of co-infections of HIV and HCV Ab+ was 5.76% (95% CI: 1.34, 8.51). The most common recently used drugs were heroin, methamphetamine, and opium with a prevalence of 44.30%, 41.04%, and 24.76%, correspondingly. Conclusions: According to this study, prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C among homeless people was considerable. Abusing heroin, methamphetamine, and industrial drugs was also significant. Considering the association between drug abuse, HIV, and hepatitis C infections, planning for effective control and preventive interventions is important in homeless people.

Actions (login required)

View Item