IntroductionThe evidence is mixed on the HIV knowledge, attitude, and practices of youth in Iran. The aim of the current study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Iranian youth towards HIV through a national survey.Materials and MethodsThrough a cross-sectional study with multistage cluster sampling, we administered a pilot-tested standard questionnaire to assess the levels of HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices of individuals aged 15–29 years old. Participants were recruited from 13 provinces in Iran and consisted of 2456 men and 2412 women.ResultsOnly 37.3% of the participants had a high knowledge score. Most participants knew the main routes of HIV transmission; however, misconceptions existed about the transmission of HIV through mosquito bites across all age groups (31.7% correct response). Positive levels of attitude wereobserved among 20.7% of the participants. Most participants believed that people living with HIV (PLHIV) should be supported (88.3%) while only 46.3% were ready to share a table with them. Among those aged 19–29 years old, the main source of HIV information was mass media (69.1%), only 13.1% had ever tested for HIV, around 20.8% had ever had extramarital sex (31.7% male vs. 9.6% female),1.8% ever injected drugs (2.9% male vs. and 0.7% female). Among sexually active subjects in this age group, only 21.8% (26.1% male vs. 7.1% female) were consistent condom users.ConclusionsThe findings showed that Iranian youth and young adults have relatively insufficient overall knowledge and negative attitudes about HIV and PLHIV. Novel strategies involving schools and youth’s networks could be employed to deliver a culturally sensitive sexual health program.
ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran.MethodsWe conducted a national cross-sectional bio-behavioural surveillance survey between March and July 2010, interviewing male PWID from a geographically dispersed sample through a facility-based sampling method.ResultsWe recruited 2480, and tested 2290 PWID. The overall prevalence of HIV was 15.2% (95% CI 9.7% to 23.1%). Among those who had injected drugs over the last month, 36.9% had used a non-sterile needle, and 12.6% had practiced shared injection. Over the past 12 months preceding the interview, 30.4% had sold sex for money, drugs, goods or a favour. In the multivariate analysis, the prevalence of HIV had a positive association with age, while having above high school education, and permanent job were protective.ConclusionsUnsafe injection, and sexual risk behaviours are still frequent and the prevalence of HIV among PWID remains high. Intensified efforts are needed to prevent the further spread of HIV among Iranian PWID and their sexual partners.
To examine the relation of cholesterol crystallization to the formation of gallstones, gallbladder bile was obtained by means of duodenal intubation in 54 patients (eight with asymptomatic gallstones) and from 17 patients undergoing cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Hepatic bile was obtained from nine patients with common-duct stones. Bile samples were examined for cholesterol monohydrate crystals and analyzed to determine the percentage of cholesterol saturation. Intubation in the eight patients with asymptomatic gallstones revealed a cholesterol saturation of 142 +/- 42 per cent (mean +/- S.D.) and crystals in five patients. Crystals were absent in the other 36 patients with supersaturated bile (cholesterol saturation, 166 +/- 44 per cent) and in the 10 patients with undersaturated bile (cholesterol saturation, 81 +/- 24 per cent). In the 26 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or common-duct stones, crystals were not seen in the bile of the seven patients with pigment stones but were present in the bile of all 19 patients with cholesterol stones. (In some cases crystals appeared only after 24 to 48 hours of incubation.) Cholesterol crystallization is probably a prerequisite for the formation of cholesterol gallstones; however, many subjects have no crystallization despite marked supersaturation.
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