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Abstract
High risk behavior and HIV/AIDS prevalence among men having sex with men: the first report from Iran
M. Eftekhar1, A. Feizzadeh2, N. Moshtagh Bidokhti3, H. Setayesh2, A. Vasigh4, K. Azadmanesh5, M.M. Gouya6
Background: Studies in several countries have shown that MSM are susceptible to HIV. However, in Iran there is a dearth of information on MSM’s high risk behavior and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among them. This study will be the first of its kind which explores HIV related issues in this marginalized group.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study using RDS sampling with sample size of 101conducted in 2007. The behavioral information was gathered through screen touch monitors. Blood sample obtained through DBS. The seeds were 3 IDU-MSM subjects recruited from a DIC in south of Tehran.
Results: Eighty eight subjects had experienced unprotected anal or vaginal sex in their last intercourse with at least one type of steady male partner, male sex worker, casual male partner and female partner in preceding 6 months before study. Exploring the reason behind not using condom in the last sex with each category of partners, "not liking sex with condoms" was the most common reason (30.0%). The proportion of ever substance injection and injection in the past month was 67.9% and 53% respectively. The proportion of high risk drug-related sexual behavior such as ever having sex while intoxicated, unprotected sex in the last sex while intoxicated, ever having sex for obtaining drugs, having sex for obtaining drugs in the last month was 63.2%,43.3%, 32.5%, 28.6% respectively. Seventeen out of the 101 participants were sero-positive for HIV, having both ELISA and Western Blot positive results. Using the weighted analysis, this was translated to a prevalence of 14.8% (7.7% - 26.5%). This figure is 48.8% (35.3% - 62.4%) for hepatitis C; there were 52 positive cases.
Conclusions: Although this study has limitations, it could be concluded that HIV and high risk behavior are common in MSM in Iran and there is an emergency need for intervention in this group.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0245
Suggested Citation
"M.Eftekhar, et al.
High risk behavior and HIV/AIDS prevalence among men having sex with men: the first report from Iran.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0245"
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