Showing 10 results for Hiv
A Ghareh Baghian, A Zaghal, M Farhadi Langerudi , G Karimi,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (7-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus, is believed to be the infectious trigger for Kaposi sarcoma. HHV-8 transmission takes place via different routes such as saliva, sexual intercourse, mucosal contact and possibly blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to determine HHV-8 seroprevalence in otherwise healthy blood donors as immunocompetent hosts, in HIV positive individuals (immunocompromised hosts), and in hemodialysis patients as multi-transfused patients. This is the first time that research of this magnitude on HHV-8 prevalence is conducted in Iran.
Material and Methods: The study method was analytic-observational. We measured HHV-8 antibody levels in 118 hemodialysis patients, 35 HIV positive subjects and 256 healthy blood donors. The primary test method was ELISA positive results were confirmed by IFA (immunofluorescence assay). Subjects with positive results on both ELISA and IFA were regarded as HHV-8 cases.
Results: Overall, 20 hemodialysis patients (16.9%), 16 HIV individuals (45.7%) and 5 blood donors (2%) had HHV-8 antibodies. Analysis with χ2 tests did not show any significant association with sex (p=0.24), blood transfusion or the number of transfused blood units (p=0.36 and 0.73, respectively). But there was positive correlation between age and the presence of antibodies (P=0.01).
Conclusion: Serologic prevalence of HHV-8 in blood donors (as apparently healthy individuals) proved to be lower than in other studies and, in some cases, equal to the figures from other countries. The high prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in HIV positive individuals may be partly attributed to high-risk sexual behavior and repeated exposure to pathogenic agents. The higher prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in hemodialysis patients as compared to blood donors (normal individuals) may be related to specific dialysis procedures or multiple transfusions with the resulting potential for infection.
Ar Heidari, Ar Mirahmadizadeh, A Keshtkaran, M Javanbakht, K Etemad, M Lotfi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (8-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: AIDS is a lethal disease, for which there is no treatment or any vaccine to prevent it. The injection-drug use and unprotected sexual behavior are two factors important in HIV transmission. This study was conducted to determine changes in high-risk sexual and injection-drug use behaviors associated with HIV among drug users referring to Methadone Maintenance Treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This before-after interventional study with no control group included drug-users (n=694) referring to all the 7 MMT centers in Shiraz, Iran in 2009. The data were collected by interviewing patients and using a questionnaire. The software used for data analysis was SPSS 15, the statistical test being the Wilcoxon test.
Results: The average age of the clients was 36.5 ± 9.5 years. Most of them were males (% 92.1) and single (% 43.1). 37.3 % of them being injection-drug users. The proportion of the injection-drug users having had at least one shared injection one week before referring to an MMT center was 23.3%, which decreased to 9.2% after one week. Analysis of the data also showed that 25.2% of the addicts had had at least one unprotected sexual contact during the previous month the proportion decreased to 21.0% one month after referring to an MMT center. The reductions in the mean numbers of both shared injections and unprotected sexual contacts were statistically significant (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of the MMT centers in reducing risky behaviors of injection-drug users, it is essential to expand these centers at both the national and regional levels quantitatively and qualitatively and encourage drug-users to refer to them and seek help. This will help greatly in the prevention of HIV.
Azar Hadadi, Mehrnaz Rasoulinezhad, Saeed Jamali, Seyed Ahmad Seyed Ali Naghi, Kousha Paydari, Mohammad Ali Boyer, Esfandiar Shojaie, Alireza Soleymani, Sirous Faraji, Saeed Kalantari, Samaneh Bayrami, Mostafa Hosseini,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to anti-retroviral prophylaxis after occupational and non-occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients consulting the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center (VCT) of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran during the period 2008 to 2009.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients were selected, the required information about them was recorded, and adherence to anti-retroviral drugs (including Ziduvudin, Lamivudin and Efavirens) was determined based on self-report by the patients. Eighty-nine exposed patients were followed monthly for 4 months, and in the case of low-adherence (less than 95%) they were asked for the reason(s) for noncompliance.
Results: Of the 89 patients, 55 were men (61.8%) and 34 (38/2%) were women with a mean age of 30.16± 8.39 years 47 participants (52.8%) were single and 42 (47.1%) married 27 subjects (30.3%) were physicians, 35 (39.3%) nurses and 27 (30.3%) had occupations outside the healthcare system. From among the 36 subjects (40.5%) who stopped the treatment, 24 (27.0%) stopped it correctly (that is, when the serological test proved to be negative), while 12 (13.4%) did not stop it on a sound basis. Fifty-three subjects (59.6%) completed the prophylaxis. Adherence was found to be significantly associated with age and marital status (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The main reason for stopping the prophylaxis (a negative serological test result of the resource patient) was more pronounced than previous studies, which indicates the higher availability of the resource patient.
Shayesteh Hajizadeh, Saharnaz Nedjat, Reza Majdzadeh, Minoo Mohraz, Hamid Reza Setayesh, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (1-2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Development of effective antiretroviral therapies (ART) has reduced mortality and increased life expectancy among individuals with HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy regiments have improved symptoms and quality of life among these patients, whose sexual and reproductive needs, have, therefore, increased as well. In 2010, 20.8% of HIV-infected Iranians acquired the disease through sexual relations. The objective of this study was to define high-risk sexual behaviors among individuals infected with HIV referred to the Triangular Clinics of Universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional interview-based survey included 400 HIV-positive individuals selected by consequential sampling.
Results: The majority (60%) of the subjects was males, and 44.2% of men and 51.3% of women with HIV were in the age group 34-25 years. On the whole, 15.6% of the women and 49.6% of the men had high-risk sexual behaviors after diagnosis of HIV infection. Further analysis of the data showed that 62.5% of HIV-positive individuals were not aware of the risks of unsafe sexual relationship (using no condom) for HIV-positive transmission.. Based on the logistic regression module, it was found that factors strongly associated with high-risk sexual behavior were being male, being single, under high school diploma/graduate degree, alcohol intake and use of hormonal and permanent methods of family planning (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm previous reports showing common high-risk sexual behaviour after diagnosis in HIV-positive populations. Providing suitable health services and advice on fertility and sexual health will result in no- or low-risk sexual life for couples.
Zahra Nikoo Seresht, Shahnaz Rimaz, Mohsen Asadi Lari, Saharnaz Nedjat, Effat Merghati Khoie, Seyed Abbas Motevallian, Narges Saeepour,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Quality of life amongst people living with HIV/AIDS is affected by their experiences such as social isolation, stigmatization and discrimination. Physical, mental and social problems are common throughout their lives. Therefore, studying the quality of life of HIV-infected individuals are shortcomings in various cultural contexts. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Iran.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. We used convenience sampling to recruit 300 HIV-infected adults attending the Imam Khomeini Hospital consultation center for clients with risky behaviors in Tehran. To collect the data we employed the World Health Organization Quality of life for HIV Brief version (WHOQOL-HIV BREF). T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s coefficient and multiple regression were used for analysis.
Results: The mean ±SD age of the respondents was 34.3±7.5 years. The majority of them were males (55%) and asymptomatic (51.7%). Among the domains of quality of life, Level of independence had the highest score (13.4±3.1), and environment (12.5±2.8) and psychological (12.5±3.1) domains had the lowest. Younger's, women and employed subjects reported better quality of life for different domains of quality of life (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Psychological and environment domains in quality of life were found to be adversely affected by HIV. Accurate and culturally sensitive interventions are suggested to address the patients' psychological and environmental needs.
Fatemeh Rahmanian, Masoumeh Simbar, Ali Ramezankhani, Farid Zaeri,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections are one of the most prevalent infections all over the world that impose significant morbidity on people. There are an increasing number of sexually transmitted infections in Islamic Republic of Iran during recent years. So developing and implementing programs for STIs prevention and control is considered as a health priority. While the role of gender based power in sexual relationships has in recent years been acknowledged, the understanding has largely lacked practical considerations in the STIs/HIV/AIDS prevention fields. This study aims to explore gender sensitive STIs/HIV/AIDS prevention services concepts and dimensions.
Method : This study employed content analyzes research design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 expert reproductive health managers and providers that selected purposively and then continued by snow ball method. Data collected by using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed and typed. Data was analyzed according to content analysis.
Results: 2 categories emerged as the result of data content analysis: 1) gender sensitive structure including employers, facilities and management dimensions 2) gender sensitive process including care and educational processes.
Conclusion: providing gender sensitive STIs/HIV/AIDS prevention services need gender sensitive management, facilities and providers and gender sensitive care and educational design.
Zahra Malery Khah Langeroudi, Afarin Rahimi Movaghar, Shahnaz Delbarpour Ahmadi, Masoumeh Esmaeili,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and aim: In Iran, HIV prevalence in sex workers is reaching to an epidemic, but still consistent use of condoms is low. This qualitative study aimed to assess barriers to condom use in female sex workers (FSWs).
Materials and Methods: We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 40 FSWs and 12 partners in the year 2010 in Tehran. The FSWs were purposefully selected from four different groups based on the level of socioeconomic status and history of using substance. Findings were extracted and coded manually and the responses of the groups were categorized and compared.
Results: Almost all FSWs had not used condoms regularly in the past six months. The main barriers of condom use were: lack of awareness of the modes of transmission of HIV and prognosis of the disease, doubt on the role of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, fear of violence or rejection by male customers, reluctance of sexual partners to use condoms due to diminution of sexual pleasure, and believing in health of some customers.
Conclusions: Increasing awareness of the FSWs through education about HIV, ways to prevent the disease and empowering them on negotiating skills to use condoms as part of harm reduction programs are recommended .
Ghobad Moradi, Minoo Mohraz, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Masoumeh Dejman, Seyed Ahmad Seyed Alinaghi, Sahar Khosh Ravesh, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the views of policy makers and key persons about national AIDS control politics.
Materials and Methods : This qualitative study used purposive sampling. To collect data, the perspectives of six experts about AIDS were inspected. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results of this study showed that beside the strengths there are also significant weaknesses in making the policies, administering the existing policies, executing the programs in organizations, and planning new policies to control AIDS hence these problems and weaknesses must be identified to achieve the main goals of AIDS control program.
Conclusion: AIDS is not only a health problem but a social, economical and cultural problem, which requires more attention from authorities and related organizations for developing and implementing policies in accordance with international guidelines. To achieve Millennium development goals (MDGs) in the context of AIDS it is essential for policy makers and key figures to consider more effective activities and measures in their agenda.
Mehdi Mir Heydari, Sedighe Sadat Tavafian, Ali Montazeri, Homeyra Fallahi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Addiction behaviors have been established among high risk behaviors among different age groups in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a designed educational program on high risk behaviors of a sample of addicts in Qom, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Totally, 128 men with addiction history in self help groups referred to health centers in Qom were studied. The instruments used to collect data were a self administered demographic questionnaire and the designed scale high risk behavior based on Health Belief Model (HBM).
Results: The mean age of participants was 32.4 years. There were no significant difference between two groups at baseline in terms of all demographic data and all HBM constructs. The mean scores of HBM constructs, improved significantly in comparison with baseline. (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: This study indicated that designed educational program could improve all HBM constructs after intervention. Additionally, behavior intention might be changed after intervention significantly.
Masoumeh Dejman, Maroe Vameghi, Fatemeh Dejman, Payam Roshanfekr, Hasan Rafiey, Ameneh Setareh Forouzan, Majid Rezazadeh, Parisa Fazeli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children who work or live in the streets are one of the high-risk groups for HIV. The high population of street children and lack of comprehensive intervention programs for them increase their risk for HIV in Iran. This study intended to explore the situation of drug abuse in street children in Tehran, the capital city.
Materials and Methods: This paper reports part of a comprehensive rapid assessment and response (RAR) research project on street children in Tehran during 2012-13. Data were collected by interviewing subjects using questionnaires. The sample size was 289 street children selected by time-location sampling in Tehran.
Results : Data showed that about 25.6% of the street children had had some history of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, and/or drug abuse. Most of them were boys aged 15-18 years. The prevalence rate of cigarette and/or hubble-bubble smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse during the preceding 6 months 12.1%, 11% and 6.9%, respectively. Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and drug abuse on the one hand and the children’s age, type of occupation and home-leaving experience on the other. Further analysis of the data showed that the main reason for drug abuse was curiosity (56.6%), followed by mere enjoyment (39.6%) and leisure (35.8%) .
Conclusion : It can be concluded that drug abuse among street children is highly associated with gender, age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and leaving home experience. Therefore, it is recommended to start drug abuse prevention programs at lower ages, with particular emphasis on boys. In addition, family intervention and improvement of children’s lifestyle aiming at preventing home-leaving could be a main strategic plan for reducing drug abuse among street children.
