Investigation of Serologic Prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B Infections and its Relationship with Behavioral Risk Factors among Drug Addicts

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B infections in drug addicts is one of the most important problems of human societies. This study was conducted in order to determine the serologic prevalence of hepatitis B and HIV infections and its relationship with behavioral risk factors in drug addicts in Zamzam Health Center, Southern Tehran, Iran.
This descriptive-analytical survey was conducted during 3 months (from January to March 2011) on 220 drug addicts under methadone maintenance treatment in Zamzam Health Center. The census sampling method was used in the present study. The serological prevalence of AIDS and hepatitis B was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Demographic and behavioral characteristics of participants were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using chi-square and t-test in SPSS software.
Findings: The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B infections were respectively 1.8% and 4.1%. HIV and hepatitis B infections had a statistically significant relationship with drug injection (P The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B infections was high among drug addicts referred to Zamzam Health Center, especially among injecting drug users. Therefore, preventive interventions such as providing free consultation and training by professionals, distribution of free sterile syringes, precise and regular screening of blood transmitted diseases, and hepatitis B vaccination are recommended for drug addicts.