Seroprevalence and Related Risk Behaviors of Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV Infections among Male Prisoners in Kermanshah, Iran

Blood-borne infections are life-threatening challenges among prisoners. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these infections and related risk behaviors among male prisoners. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1,034 voluntarily enrolled male prisoners in several prisons of Kermanshah province, Iran. All participants completed a questionnaire and were interviewed by an expert. To test the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, 5-mL samples of blood were collected from all participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of HBV, HCV and HIV infections with the related risk factors. Totally, 1034 male prisoners participated in the current study. The mean age of subjects was 35.52 ± 8.12 years, with a range of 19-64 years. The prevalence rates of HBsAg+, HCVAb+, and HIVAb+ in male prisoners were 1.25% (95% CI: 0.67-2.14), 22.2% (95% CI: 19.7-24.2), and 3.09% (95% CI: 2.1- 4.3), respectively. Backward logistic regression analysis demonstrated a marked association between history of intravenous drug use and HBsAg+. There was also a positive association between HCVAb+ and age, region, age at the time of first substance use, and history of intravenous drug use and camp residency, as well as heterosexual relationships. HIV infection was also significantly associated with history of intravenous drug use and homosexual relationships. Although HBV infection was shown to be lower in Kermanshah than other parts of the country, a higher prevalence was found for HCV and HIV infections in this province.