Frequency of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among hospitalized injecting drug users in Kashan
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Published on: March 13, 2015
M Sharif1, Alireza Sherif, Mansour Sayyah
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Ghotb Ravand blvd, Kashan University of Medical Science, Kashan, Iran.
Insights
Injecting drug users in Kashan, Iran, show a high prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections. These infections are significantly more common in males than females, highlighting an urgent need for targeted prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infectious diseases like HIV and viral hepatitis are significant health concerns, particularly prevalent among injecting drug users (IDUs).
- IDUs represent a vulnerable population with elevated risks for these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections.
- To assess these infections among 200 injecting drug users hospitalized in Kashan, Iran, between 2001 and 2006.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran.
- Serological markers for HBV (HBsAg), HCV (anti-HCV antibodies), and HIV were analyzed using ELISA.
- Demographic data were collected via questionnaire, and statistical analyses included SPSS, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests.
Main Results:
- The study included 200 participants (88.5% male, 11.5% female) with a mean age of 36.5 years.
- Infection rates for males: HBV 4%, HCV 10.5%, HIV 1.5%.
- Infection rates for females: HBV 0.5%, HCV 1.5%, HIV 0%.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among injecting drug users in Kashan, Iran, is notably high.
- Infection rates are significantly higher in males compared to females within this population.
- Effective preventive strategies targeting risk factors are crucial for health providers and policymakers.
Context:
Infectious diseases including HIV and viral hepatitis constitute a major health issue, with high prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs).
Aims:
The present study assessed the frequency of HIV, and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) among 200 IDUs, hospitalized between 2001 and 2006, in Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Kashan, Iran.
Setting And Design:
A population-based cross-sectional study in Iran.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 200 subjects participated in this study. Serological markers including HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies and HIV were assessed by ELISA method using Monobid kits made in US. Demographic data was collected by using a questionnaire, which was designed by a researcher.
Statistical Analysis Used:
Frequencies were determined by employing SPSS:PC version 15.0, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions.
Results:
The mean age of subjects was 36.5 ± 10.2 years. Approximately 88.5% (177 cases) were male and 11.5%. (23 cases) were female. The frequency of positive infection test results for males with respect to HBV, HCV, and HIV was 4% (8 cases), 10.5% (21 cases), and 1.5% (3 cases); and for females it was 0.5% (1 case), 1.5% (3 cases), and 0% (0 case), respectively.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that the frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in the IVD user in Kashan, Iran, is relatively high and this condition is more serious in male than female drug addicts. It is very important, especially for health providers and policy makers, to recognize the risk factors of HBV, HCV and particularly HIV infection in this area and design effective preventive programs.
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