Drug use and risk behaviour profile,and the prevalence of HIV,hepatitis C and hepatitis B among people with methamphetamine use in Iran |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran;2. The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia;3. Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran;4. Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran;5. Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran;6. Mental Health research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;7. Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundStimulants substances use, particularly methamphetamine use, is increasing globally, including in Iran. This study assessed the drug use and risk behaviour profile, and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among a large population using methamphetamine as their primary drug in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in eight provinces of Iran. Individuals using methamphetamine for ≥3 months during the past three years, with no life-time history of injecting opioid drugs were enrolled. Drug use and risk behaviour data were collected through interviews. Blood samples were tested for HIV antibodies (HIV Ab), HCV antibodies (HCV Ab), and HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag).ResultAmong 567 participated, 84% were men and mean age was 36 years. Smoking with pipe was the most common method of methamphetamine use (53%), while 13% had a history of injecting methamphetamine, among whom 30% shared needles or syringes. Among those having sex during intoxication phase (n = 270), 48% never used condom. The prevalence of HIV Ab, HCV Ab and HBs Ag was 6.7% (95%CI: 4.7–9.1), 19.4% (95%CI: 16.2–22.9) and 1.4% (95%CI: 0.6–2.7), respectively. Age ≥ 30 years (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.18–3.76), lower education (high school vs. tertiary education, aOR: 13.95, 95%CI: 1.90–102.60), and injecting methamphetamine (aOR: 1.92, 95%CI 1.10–3.35) were significantly associated with HCV exposure. No factor was found associated with HIV infection. Among those reporting no potential injecting or sexual risk factors, 19.8% and 6.8% have HCV Ab positive and HIV Ab positive, respectively.ConclusionHigh prevalence of injecting and sexual risk behaviours, HIV infection and HCV exposure were found among individuals using methamphetamine as their primary drug, demonstrating them as an emerging population at risk of HIV and HCV in Iran. Targeted screening and harm reduction programs for this population are required. |
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