Sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is increasing in Iran and is the main route of infection among women. In order to foster the development of future HIV prevention interventions for women, researchers need to understand the factors that influence sexual risk reduction behaviors in this group. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of condom use among women at risk of HIV and develop a model of condom use in a sample of women at risk of HIV. We cross-sectionally examined predictors of condom use among 200 women at risk of HIV. Women were recruited from drop-in centers and voluntary counseling and testing centers in Tehran. Condom use among women at risk of HIV was examined using path analysis, and fit indices showed a good fit for the model. Condom use self-efficacy, social support, and less stereotypic gender roles influenced sexually protective behaviors of women at risk of HIV. Our results can provide a basis for future gender-specific intervention programs among women at risk of HIV. Researchers, practitioners, and organizations that play a central role in protecting the health of this population can make use of these results for the benefit of sexual and reproductive health programs.

Background: Sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is a major route for infection and the most effective strategy to control this infection is condom use. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the predictors of condom use among HIV positive patients. Methods: This cross sectional study was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 121 HIV positive individuals, which included 57 women and 64 men were recruited during five months from a Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center in Karaj. Data were collected by questionnaires including demographic characteristics, drug abuse history, sexual history, depression, and social support. Social support and depression were evaluated by MOS questinnaire and Beck II, respectively.Data analysis was done by SPSS version 19. Results:The mean age of the participants was 36.6 ± 8 years. About 39% of HIV positive patients in this study used a condom during their last sexual encounter; however, consistent use of condom occurred in 28.1% cases in the past three months. Multivariate regression showed that the number of sexual partners' (β = 0.16), (P < 0.01) age (β = -0.23), (P < 0.05) number of children (β = 0.21), (P < 0.05) and social support (β = 0.58), (P < 0.001) were predictors of condom use. Conclusions: Considering the low rate of condom use among HIV-positive patients, it is essential to provide counseling services and gender sensitive interventions to promote safer sex behavior in this context. As social support is a critical variable to predict condom use, it is suggested to be considered to develop effective prevention programs for people living with HIV.

Background: Evidence based medicine (EBM) is an approach to improve the quality of clinical decision making, treatment and care provided to patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of faculty members of Alborz University of Medical Sciences about EBM. Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted in 2015 and 40 physicians participated. Data were collected by a valid and reliable structured questionnaire consisting 17 knowledge items, 8 attitude items and 12 items for practices about EBM. Using SPSS software version 19 data analyses was done.Results: From a total of 49 faculty members 40 responded the questionnaires in which 62.5% were female, the mean average age was 40.6 years and mean time of job experience was 8.1 years. About half of the respondents had participated in an EBM workshop, 10% of the participants have stated that do not know EBM and 37.5% had low knowledge, only 7.5% had adequate knowledge. Ninety percent of the respondents believed that EBM has an important role in promoting quality of care and 82% of them were interested to take part in EBM workshops. The information source for clinical practice in 70% of the participants was the text book, 55% Cochrane, and 45% clinical experience. Conclusion:Faculty members had a positive attitude toward EBM; although a vast majority of them claimed that they practice based on evidence in clinical settings, about half of them stated had not adequate knowledge about EBM. Therefore, it is necessary to keep their knowledge up to date. Keywords

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