Drug injection and associated factors among the elderly living with HIV/AIDS in Tehran, Iran

Injection of drugs is one of the most serious  health problems among Iranian living with HIV/AIDS. The injection of drugs, accounting for the transmission of more than two-thirds of HIV infections. HIV remains a major concern around the world and is expected to be the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the predictors of injection drug use in the elderly patients living with HIV/AIDS.

This was a cross-sectional study executed in Tehran City, Iran, in 2018. A total of 160 individuals aged 60 years and older with HIV from different counseling centers were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires including a positive state of mind, coping, social support, and a checklist of demographical variables. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression using SPSS software version 21.0 were employed to determine factors associated with drug injection. The statistical tests were performed with a significance level of 5% (p≥0.05).

The study participants’ mean(SD) age was 65.6(±6.6) years. In total, 33 people (20.6%) of the samples reported injection drug use. The frequency of injection drug use was greater among men (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI 2.2-22.8; p=0.010), those reporting a monthly income of ≥30000000 Rials (AOR: 31.56, 95% CI 2.95-338; p=0.004), subjects with past experience of drug use (AOR: 7.11, 95% CI 2.18-23.2; p=0.001), those with ≥2 years past from their HIV diagnosis (AOR: 4.04, 95% CI 1.12-14.58; p=0.033), and those living with more than two people in one residential place (Household size AOR: 5.9, 95% CI 1.64-21.24; p=0.007).

It seems that the design and implementation of harm reduction programs among the elderly with HIV/AIDS who inject drugs are essential and should be considered as an agenda of policymakers and health professionals.