Prevalence of HIV infection and the correlates among beggars in Tehran, Iran
Alinaghi, S.A. Seyed; Zadeh, A.O. Taghi; Zaresefat, H.; Hajizadeh, M.; Mohamadi, S.N.; Paydary, K.; Fard, S.E.; Hosseini, M.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease 3(1): 76-78
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 2222-1808 DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(13)60017-1Document Number: 571763
To assess the prevalence of HIV infection and the correlates among street beggars in Tehran, Iran. In a survey conducted in Tehran during 2007 to 2008, 4230 men and women beggars were collected by municipality. As a routine approach, we got serologic test for HIV. A questionnaire regarding socio-demographic and injection drug use (IDU) behaviors was designed. HIV prevalence was 1% (0.7 1.3) in the study population. HIV infection was associated with older age (adjusted OR: 0.38 for >50 years), birthplace (adjusted OR: 2.06) and being IDU (adjusted OR: 8.26). Regarding the HIV prevalence and the correlated, we recommend harm reduction programs such as needle exchange, expanding methadone maintenance therapy and renewing education among this population.