Low HIV testing rate and its correlates among men who inject drugs in Iran

Iran has a concentrated HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID). Low HIV testing uptake could contribute to the significant number HIV-infected PWID, who go undiagnosed. This study aims to assess HIV testing uptake and its correlates among PWID in Iran.

Data were collected through a national cross-sectional bio-behavioral study in 2010. Adult male HIV-negative PWID were included in the current analysis. All estimates were adjusted for the clustering effect of the sampling sites. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of recent HIV testing and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were reported.

Out of the 2146 eligible PWID for this study, 49.8% reported having ever tested for HIV. However, only 24.9% had tested in the previous year and received their test results. Around 65.2% of PWID knew an HIV testing site. In the multivariable analysis, knowing an HIV testing site (AOR=13.9; P-value<0.001), ≥24 years of age (AOR=3.30; P-value=0.027), and multiple incarcerations (AOR=1.71; P-value<0.001) were positively, and a monthly income of ≥65 US dollar (AOR=0.23; P-value=0.009) was negatively associated with having been tested and received the results.

Despite the availability of free HIV counselling and testing for PWID in Iran, only one-fourth of adult male PWID had been tested for HIV and received their results. Implementing policies and strategies to normalize routine HIV testing among PWID are crucial steps to help curb the epidemic among Iranian PWID.