HIV prevalence and related risk behaviours among prisoners in Iran: results of the national biobehavioural survey, 2009. (28th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Navadeh, Soodabeh; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Gouya, Mohammad Mehdi; Farnia, Marziyeh; Alasvand, Ramin; Haghdoost, Ali-Akbar
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 89(2013)Supplement 3
• Page Start: iii33
• Page End: iii36
• Publication Date: 2013-08-28
• Subjects: HIV -- Drug Misuse -- AIDS; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviours among prisoners in Iran in 2009. Methods: Using multistage random sampling, we recruited 5, 530 prisoners from 27 prisons in Iran. Behavioural data were collected using a face-to-face questionnaire-based interview, and HIV status was determined by ELISA of dried blood spots. Weighted estimates were calculated based on the sampling probability and response rate. Results: HIV prevalence was 2.1% (95% CI 1.2 to 3.6). One in eight prisoners (12.3%, 95% CI 8.0% to 16.6%) had been tested for HIV in the last year and received results, 20.5% (95% CI 15.1 to 27.4%) had comprehensive knowledge about HIV and 24.7% (95% CI 17.9% to 32.9%) reported condom use at last vaginal/anal sex in prison. Although 16.5% (95% CI 12.5% to 21.5%) acknowledged a lifetime history of drug injection, only 22 prisoners reported drug injection inside the prison in the month preceding the interview. Of note, 12.9% (95% CI 10.6% to 15.6%) had been tattooed in prison. There were significant associations between HIV prevalence and a history of drug injection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 7.8, 95% CI 4.7 to 13.2), tattooing (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.2) and age over 30 years (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9). Conclusions: Considerable HIV prevalence among prisoners is found in Iran. Expanding harm reduction programmes inside prisons with inclusion of sexual risk reduction programmes and post-release programmes will help directly prevent acquisition and transmission of infection inside prisons and indirectly slow onward transmission in the outside communities.