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Hussain HU, Kumar KA, Rehan ST, Khan Z, Hashmi MR, Khabir Y, Fatir CA, Tahir MJ, Ahmed A, Shrateh ON, Huda MN. Odds of HIV among incarcerated drug users: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Asian countries. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5584-5592. [PMID: 37915701 PMCID: PMC10617921 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV makes up a large portion of infectious diseases globally. People injecting drugs in prisons are at high risk for contracting HIV infection. Prisons house ~10.2 million people globally, making them a high-risk setting for HIV transmission. This systematic review summarizes the available data on the odds of developing HIV infection among imprisoned people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Asian regions. Methods The authors electronically assessed published studies from January, 2000 to December, 2022, including studies that investigated the odds of HIV in imprisoned PWIDs. We extensively searched PubMed, ERIC, and Cochrane Central and Google Scholar with no constraints in language or time. All the observational studies evaluating the chances of HIV in Asian prisoners with an exposure group of PWIDs and a control group of non-injecting-drug users were included in our analysis. Results The databases search yielded 254 potential studies, 10 observational studies of which having a total of 17 333 participants were included. A low or moderate risk of bias was reported in all the studies except one case-control. The pooled analysis showed a significant association between PWIDs and the chances of contracting HIV infection (Odds ratio=6.40; 95% CI=3.89-10.52; P<0.00001; I2=53%). Conclusion This study found a vital correlation between injecting-drug usage during imprisonment and HIV transmission speed. The results of this meta-analysis support the need to prevent HIV and conducting treatment programs in high-risk settings like prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ali Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Oadi N. Shrateh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Md. Nazmul Huda
- School of Medicine
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
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2
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SeyedAlinaghi S, Farhoudi B, Shahmohamadi E, Rasoolinejad M, Hasannezhad M, Rashidi MR, Dadras O, Moradi A, Parmoon Z, Ebrahimi H, Asadollahi-Amin A. Prevalence of and risk factors for HCV among incarcerated people at Great Tehran Prison: a cross-sectional study. Int J Prison Health 2023; 19:536-544. [PMID: 36757302 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-09-2022-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C is one of the major health issues in both developed and developing countries. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in prisoners than in the general population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV and its associated risk factors in Iranian male prisoners in Tehran. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH In this cross-sectional study, the authors investigated the frequency and risk factors of hepatitis C infection among male prisoners in the Great Tehran Prison. Information on risk factors including the length of imprisonment, previous history of imprisonment, history of drug injection, history of tattooing, history of piercing, history of high-risk sex and family history of hepatitis C were extracted from patients' records. To evaluate HCV status, blood samples were collected and tested. FINDINGS In this study, 179 participants were included. Nine participants (5.0%, 95% CI, 2.3-9.3) were positive for hepatitis C. HCV infection was not significantly associated with age, marital status, education, previous history of imprisonment, length of imprisonment, piercing and high-risk sex; however, there was a significant association between a history of tattooing and a history of injecting drug use and Hepatitis C. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The prevalence of hepatitis C among male prisoners in Great Tehran Prison was 5% in this study, similar to recent studies on prisoners in Tehran. A history of drug injections as well as tattooing were the most important risk factors for hepatitis C in male prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Farhoudi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Amir-al-Momenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Shahmohamadi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Rasoolinejad
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Hasannezhad
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rasool Rashidi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Dadras
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ali Moradi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohal Parmoon
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooman Ebrahimi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asadollahi-Amin
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Mehmandoost S, Khezri M, Mousavian G, Tavakoli F, Mehrabi F, Sharifi H, Dolan K, Shokoohi M. Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among incarcerated people in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health 2022; 203:75-82. [PMID: 35032918 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Incarcerated people are at higher risk for HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections. This review systematically summarized the evidence on the prevalence of these infections among incarcerated people in Iran. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychInfo, Iranian databases, including IranMedex, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranDoc. A grey literature review was conducted to find unpublished reports from the Ministry of Health and experts throughout the country. Included studies reported data on the prevalence of HIV, HBV, or HCV infections. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence. A meta-regression analysis was also conducted. RESULTS Of 1461 screened records, 23 records were eligible (total participants = 199,855). The pooled prevalence of HIV (17 studies), HBV (6 studies), and HCV (10 studies) was 2.77% (95% CI: 1.96, 3.70), 2.89% (95% CI: 2.28, 3.56), and 21.57% (95% CI: 13.62, 30.76), respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed that HIV (P-value = 0.05) and HCV (P-value = 0.02) were reduced over time using survey year as the interested variable in the model. Also, lifetime history of drug injection had a significant association with the HIV infection (P-value = 0.03). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the prevalences of these infections are relatively considerable among Iranian incarcerated people. These findings support developing interventions to reduce the risk of the acquisition and circulation of these infections among incarcerated people, and continued harm reduction programs among most at-risk incarcerated people, as well as HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mehmandoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - M Khezri
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - G Mousavian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - F Tavakoli
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - F Mehrabi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - H Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - K Dolan
- Program of International Research and Training, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Shokoohi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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4
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Patterns of Drug Use and Related Factors Among Prisoners in Iran: Results from the National Survey in 2015. J Prim Prev 2021; 41:29-38. [PMID: 31912408 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-019-00574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug use by prisoners is one of the world's most important problems. We sought to determine the pattern of drug use behavior and related factors among prisoners of Iran in 2015. This cross-sectional study was part of the bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted among 6200 prisoners in 26 prison sites in Iran who were selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews which inquired about participants' demographics and drug use behaviors. We analyzed study data using descriptive statistics, and crude and adjusted logistic regressions, in STATA-12. Of all prisoners, 74.0% had a history of lifetime drug use, and 16.6% of drug users had a history of lifetime injection drug use (IDU). According to the results of a multivariate logistic regression, male sex, being between the ages of 24 and 45, having a history of imprisonment, and having a history of lifetime high-risk sexual behavior were significant risk factors for lifetime drug use. Also, male sex, single status, and a history of previous imprisonment were significant risk factors for lifetime IDU. The prevalence of drug use in Iran's prison population is high and alarming. There is a continuing need for harm reduction programs, including the methadone maintenance treatment, among imprisoned drug users and IDUs.
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5
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Rostam-Abadi Y, Rafiemanesh H, Gholami J, Shadloo B, Amin-Esmaeili M, Rahimi-Movaghar A. Hepatitis B virus infection among people who use drugs in Iran: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trend analysis. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:81. [PMID: 33087141 PMCID: PMC7579800 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00424-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People who use drugs (PWUD) are considered as one of the main at-risk populations for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We conducted a systematic review on the prevalence of HBV infection among PWUD in Iran. Methods Consistent with PRISMA guideline, international (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) and national (Scientific Information Database) databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy up to September 2019. The retrieved records were reviewed, and experts were contacted for unpublished studies. Studies on Iranian PWUD reporting HBV surface Antigen (HBsAg) prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) and non-injecting PWUD were included. HBsAg prevalence was pooled for PWID and non-injecting PWUD and for other subgroups using random-effects model meta-analysis. The trend of HBV prevalence over time was investigated using meta-regression analysis. Results Overall, 35 studies reported data on HBV infection among PWID (33 studies) and non-injecting PWUD (11 studies). The pooled prevalence of HBsAg among PWID was 4.8% (95% CI 3.7–6.2). The only risk factor significantly associated with the odds of positive HBsAg in PWID was the previous history of imprisonment (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29–2.30, p value = 0.000). The pooled estimate of HBsAg among non-injecting PWUD was 2.9% (95% CI 2.5–3.2). Time trend analyses showed significant decrease in HBV prevalence among PWID reaching from 8.2% (95% CI 3.9–16.5) in 2004–2006 to 3.1% (95% CI 2.3–4.1) in 2016 and later (b = -0.07; p value = 0.05). No significant trend was detected for non-injecting PWUD. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV infection among non-injecting PWUD and even PWID was not considerably higher than the Iranian general population. This might be the result of extensive harm reduction interventions in Iran. However, it seems that there are subgroups of PWID, who do not adequately benefit from existing harm reduction interventions. Future programs should more specifically target these high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasna Rostam-Abadi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 486, South Karegar Ave., 1336616357, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Rafiemanesh
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaleh Gholami
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 486, South Karegar Ave., 1336616357, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behrang Shadloo
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 486, South Karegar Ave., 1336616357, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Amin-Esmaeili
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 486, South Karegar Ave., 1336616357, Tehran, Iran.,Mental Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 486, South Karegar Ave., 1336616357, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Moradi G, Mohamadi-Bolbanabad A, Darvishi S, Azimian Zavareh F, Piroozi B, Zareie B, Gouya MM, Tashakorian M. Patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran: results from a national survey in 2015. Int J Prison Health 2020; 16:29-37. [PMID: 32040273 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-10-2018-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to determine patterns of sexual behaviors and related factors among prisoners in Iran, 2015. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This cross-sectional study was a part of a bio-behavioral surveillance survey conducted on 6,200 prisoners in 26 prisons in Iran. The subjects were selected through multi-stage sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data on participant's demographics and history of sexual behaviors. Using STATA-12 software, the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and crude and adjusted logistic regression. FINDINGS A total of 5,508 prisoners with a response rate of 88.8 percent participated in this study. Of all prisoners, 55 percent (n=3,027) had a history of "unsafe sex in the lifetime" of whom 53.4 percent (n=1,549) never used condoms during unsafe sex in the lifetime. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, risk factors for "unsafe sex in lifetime" were the following: higher level of education (AOR=1.79, CI: 1.41-2.28), being single (AOR=1.32, CI: 1.18-1.47), unemployed before imprisonment (AOR=1.45, CI: 1.06-1.97), having history of previous imprisonment (AOR=1.31, CI: 1.17-1.47) and history of drug use in the lifetime (AOR=1.53, CI: 1.35-1.75). ORIGINALITY/VALUE Prisoners are high-risk groups that are prone to practice unsafe sex. Prisoners who are single, unemployed before imprisonment, a drug user, with a higher level of education and with a history of imprisonment are likely to be sexually active in their lifetime. Thus, they are a priority for receiving suitable interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amjad Mohamadi-Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sonia Darvishi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azimian Zavareh
- Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bakhtiar Piroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Bushra Zareie
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Mehdi Gouya
- Centre for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Tashakorian
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Mahmud S, Mumtaz GR, Chemaitelly H, Al Kanaani Z, Kouyoumjian SP, Hermez JG, Abu‐Raddad LJ. The status of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. Addiction 2020; 115:1244-1262. [PMID: 32009283 PMCID: PMC7318323 DOI: 10.1111/add.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to delineate the epidemiology of HCV in PWID in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). METHODS Syntheses of data were conducted on the standardized and systematically assembled databases of the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project, 1989-2018. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Meta-regression variables included country, study site, year of data collection and year of publication [to assess trends in HCV antibody prevalence over time], sample size and sampling methodology. Numbers of chronically infected PWID across MENA were estimated. The Shannon Diversity Index was calculated to assess genotype diversity. RESULTS Based on 118 HCV antibody prevalence measures, the pooled mean prevalence in PWID for all MENA was 49.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 44.4-54.1%]. The country-specific pooled mean ranged from 21.7% (95% CI = 4.9-38.6%) in Tunisia to 94.2% (95% CI = 90.8-96.7%) in Libya. An estimated 221 704 PWID were chronically infected, with the largest numbers found in Iran at 68 526 and in Pakistan at 46 554. There was no statistically significant evidence for a decline in HCV antibody prevalence over time. Genotype diversity was moderate (Shannon Diversity Index of 1.01 out of 1.95; 52.1%). The pooled mean percentage for each HCV genotype was highest in genotype 3 (42.7%) and in genotype 1 (35.9%). CONCLUSION Half of people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa appear to have ever been infected with hepatitis C virus, but there are large variations in antibody prevalence among countries. In addition to > 200 000 chronically infected current people who inject drugs, there is an unknown number of people who no longer inject drugs who may have acquired hepatitis C virus during past injecting drug use. Harm reduction services must be expanded, and innovative strategies need to be employed to ensure accessibility to hepatitis C virus testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health SciencesAmerican University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Silva P. Kouyoumjian
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar
| | - Joumana G. Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, HIV/Hepatitis/STIs Unit, World Health Organization,Regional Office for the Eastern MediterraneanCairoEgypt
| | - Laith J. Abu‐Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarCornell University, Qatar Foundation, Education CityDohaQatar,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell MedicineCornell UniversityNew YorkNY, USA,College of Health and Life SciencesHamad bin Khalifa UniversityDohaQatar
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8
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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Exposure in Iranian Prisoners: A National Study in 2016. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.91129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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9
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Wirtz AL, Yeh PT, Flath NL, Beyrer C, Dolan K. HIV and Viral Hepatitis Among Imprisoned Key Populations. Epidemiol Rev 2018; 40:12-26. [PMID: 29688317 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxy003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prisons and other closed facilities create opportunities for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis during detention and after release. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed publications (2005-2015) to describe the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus among key populations in prisons worldwide and to compare estimates of infection with those of other prison populations. Most data were reported for people who inject drugs (PWID; n = 72) and for men who have sex with men (MSM; n = 21); few data were reported on sex workers (SW; n = 6), or transgender women (n = 2). Publications were identified from 29 countries, predominantly middle- and high-income countries. Globally, PWID had 6 times the prevalence of HIV (pooled prevalence ratio (PPR) = 6.0, 95% CI: 3.8, 9.4), 8 times the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (PPR = 8.1, 95% CI: 6.4, 10.4), and 2 times the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (PPR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.7) compared with noninjecting prisoner populations. Among these articles, only those from Iran, Scotland, Spain, and Italy included the availability of methadone therapy; 2 articles included information on access to needle exchange programs by PWID detainees. HIV prevalence was more than 2 times higher among SW (PPR = 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 3.1) and 5 times higher among MSM (PPR = 5.3, 95% CI: 3.5, 7.9) compared with other prisoners. None of these articles reported HIV prevention coverage among SW or transgender women; 1 described HIV and sexually transmitted infection screening for MSM in prison. Prevention programs specific to key populations are important, particularly for populations that are criminalized and/or may cycle in and out of prison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ping T Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Natalie L Flath
- Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kate Dolan
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Kivimets K, Uusküla A, Lazarus JV, Ott K. Hepatitis C seropositivity among newly incarcerated prisoners in Estonia: data analysis of electronic health records from 2014 to 2015. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:339. [PMID: 30031373 PMCID: PMC6054745 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a widespread problem in prisons. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of HCV seropositivity, HCV genotypes, factors associated with HCV seropositivity in newly incarcerated prisoners and to report experiences of treatment with pegylated interferon/ribavirin for HCV-positive inmates. Methods Patient data were extracted from the Estonian prison medical information system (Vanglate meditsiiniline infosüsteem) databases. Results Among 1845 prisoners newly incarcerated from January 2014 to January 2015, the overall prevalence of HCV was 56.3% (95% CI: 54 to 59), and 25.5% (95% CI: 23.5 to 27.6%) had HIV (39.0% had neither). The all-inclusive HCV testing strategy identified 37.7% more HCV infected prisoners than the risk-based (drug use history, HIV status) case finding. Factors associated with HCV seropositivity included history of drug use (aOR 6.51 95%CI 5.12–8.28), HIV co-infection (aOR 2.56 95%CI 1.92–3.43), previous incarceration (aOR 3.61 95%CI 2.48–4.04), and increasing age. The main HCV genotypes were 3a (n = 172, 44.4%) and 1b (n = 135, 35.2%). Twenty-five prisoners received HCV treatment: 60% (n = 15) were cured, 16% (n = 4) relapsed (3 with genotype 3a, one with 1b), and 12% (n = 3) were unresponsive (all with genotype 3a). Conclusions HCV seropositivity rate is high and HCV tretment rate is very low in Estonian prisons. Optimizing case finding and scaling up treatment is critical to addressing the health needs of prisoners and meeting public health goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel Kivimets
- National Institute for Health Development, 42, 11619, Tallinn, Hiiu, Estonia.
| | - Anneli Uusküla
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Carrer de Casanova, 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristi Ott
- West Tallinn Central Hospital, Infectious Diseases Clinic, Paldiski maantee 68, 10617, Tallinn, Estonia
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11
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Nematollahi S, Ayubi E, Almasi-Hashiani A, Mansori K, Moradi Y, Veisani Y, Jenabi E, Gholamaliei B, Khazaei S. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among high-risk groups in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health 2018; 161:90-98. [PMID: 29935474 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determination of the true burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among high-risk groups relies heavily on occurrence measures such as prevalence, which are vital for implementation of preventive action plans. Nevertheless, up-to-date data on the prevalence of HCV infection remain scarce in Iran. This study aimed to review the relevant literature systematically and determine the pooled prevalence of HCV infection among high-risk groups in Iran. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review & meta-analysis. METHODS In 2016, electronic scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and local databases were searched using a detailed search strategy with language restricted to English and Farsi. The reference lists of the studies included in this review were also screened. Data were reviewed and extracted independently by two authors. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Sources of heterogeneity among the studies were determined using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS In total, 1817 records were identified in the initial search, and 46 records were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of HCV among high-risk groups was 32.3%. The prevalence was 41.3% in injection drug users (IDUs), 22.9% in prisoners, 16.2% in drug-dependent individuals and 24.6% in drug-dependent prisoners. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed that geographical location and year of publication were the probable sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis found a high prevalence of HCV among high-risk groups in Iran, particularly among IDUs. There is a need for prevention strategies to reduce the burden of HCV infection among high-risk groups, particularly IDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nematollahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Ayubi
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - A Almasi-Hashiani
- Department of Epidemiology and Reproductive Health, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - K Mansori
- School of Public Health, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y Moradi
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Y Veisani
- Psychosocial Injuries Research Centre, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - E Jenabi
- Pediatric developmental disorders Research center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - B Gholamaliei
- Department of Health Education, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - S Khazaei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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12
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Moradi G, Gouya MM, Azimizan Zavareh F, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Darvishi S, Aghasadeghi MR, Nabavi M, Alasvand R, Tashakorian M, Nouri B, Rahmani K, Molaei L. Prevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV in prisoners in Iran: a national bio-behavioural surveillance survey in 2015. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:641-649. [PMID: 29698576 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide more accurate estimates of the prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) and their contributing factors among prisoners in Iran. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 6200 Iranian prisoners in 2015. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. HBV infection and HCV exposure status of the participants was determined by HBsAg and HCV antibodies blood tests using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analysed in STATA-12. RESULT Prevalence of HCV exposure was 9.48% (95% CI: 8.73-10.27), and prevalence of HBV was 2.48% (95% CI: 2.07-2.89) in the general prison population. In multivariate analysis, the most important risk factor for HBV was a history of drug use in lifetime (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.17-3.02). The main risk factors for HCV exposure were a history of drug use in lifetime (AOR: 4.08, CI: 2.56-6.27), age over 30 (AOR: 2.68, CI: 2.01-3.56), and having tattoos (AOR = 1.67, CI: 1.35-2.07). CONCLUSION Although vaccination is used to control HBV among prisoners, prevalence of HCV exposure is alarming in the prison population of Iran, especially among people who inject drugs. Eliminating viral hepatitis in Iran by 2030 requires a national commitment and rapid measures for targeting this high-risk group. Given the increased efficiency of HCV treatment in recent years, prisons provide an opportunity to access patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Mehdi Gouya
- Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azimizan Zavareh
- Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sonia Darvishi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Mahmood Nabavi
- Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Alasvand
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrzad Tashakorian
- Health and Treatment Directorate of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bijan Nouri
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Khaled Rahmani
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Leila Molaei
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dolan K, Wirtz AL, Moazen B, Ndeffo-Mbah M, Galvani A, Kinner SA, Courtney R, McKee M, Amon JJ, Maher L, Hellard M, Beyrer C, Altice FL. Global burden of HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis in prisoners and detainees. Lancet 2016; 388:1089-1102. [PMID: 27427453 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)30466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The prison setting presents not only challenges, but also opportunities, for the prevention and treatment of HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis. We did a comprehensive literature search of data published between 2005 and 2015 to understand the global epidemiology of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and tuberculosis in prisoners. We further modelled the contribution of imprisonment and the potential impact of prevention interventions on HIV transmission in this population. Of the estimated 10·2 million people incarcerated worldwide on any given day in 2014, we estimated that 3·8% have HIV (389 000 living with HIV), 15·1% have HCV (1 546 500), 4·8% have chronic HBV (491 500), and 2·8% have active tuberculosis (286 000). The few studies on incidence suggest that intraprison transmission is generally low, except for large-scale outbreaks. Our model indicates that decreasing the incarceration rate in people who inject drugs and providing opioid agonist therapy could reduce the burden of HIV in this population. The prevalence of HIV, HCV, HBV, and tuberculosis is higher in prison populations than in the general population, mainly because of the criminalisation of drug use and the detention of people who use drugs. The most effective way of controlling these infections in prisoners and the broader community is to reduce the incarceration of people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Dolan
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Andrea L Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Babak Moazen
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Martial Ndeffo-Mbah
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alison Galvani
- Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stuart A Kinner
- Griffith Criminology Institute & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ryan Courtney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joseph J Amon
- Health and Human Rights Division, Human Rights Watch, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Heijnen M, Mumtaz GR, Abu-Raddad LJ. Status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among prisoners in the Middle East and North Africa: review and synthesis. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20873. [PMID: 27237131 PMCID: PMC4884676 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.1.20873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The status of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among incarcerated populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the links between prisons and the HIV epidemic are poorly understood. This review synthesized available HIV and HCV data in prisons in MENA and highlighted opportunities for action. METHODS The review was based on data generated through the systematic searches of the MENA HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2003 to December 15, 2015) and the MENA HCV Epidemiology Synthesis Project (2011 to December 15, 2015). Sources of data included peer-reviewed publications and country-level reports and databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We estimated a population of 496,000 prisoners in MENA, with drug-related offences being a major cause for incarceration. Twenty countries had data on HIV among incarcerated populations with a median prevalence of 0.6% in Afghanistan, 6.1% in Djibouti, 0.01% in Egypt, 2.5% in Iran, 0% in Iraq, 0.1% in Jordan, 0.05% in Kuwait, 0.7% in Lebanon, 18.0% in Libya, 0.7% in Morocco, 0.3% in Oman, 1.1% in Pakistan, 0% in Palestine, 1.2% in Saudi Arabia, 0% in Somalia, 5.3% in Sudan and South Sudan, 0.04% in Syria, 0.05% in Tunisia, and 3.5% in Yemen. Seven countries had data on HCV, with a median prevalence of 1.7% in Afghanistan, 23.6% in Egypt, 28.1% in Lebanon, 15.6% in Pakistan, and 37.8% in Iran. Syria and Libya had only one HCV prevalence measure each at 1.5% and 23.7%, respectively. There was strong evidence for injecting drug use and the use of non-sterile injecting-equipment in prisons. Incarceration and injecting drugs, use of non-sterile injecting-equipment, and tattooing in prisons were found to be independent risk factors for HIV or HCV infections. High levels of sexual risk behaviour, tattooing and use of non-sterile razors among prisoners were documented. CONCLUSIONS Prisons play an important role in HIV and HCV dynamics in MENA and have facilitated the emergence of large HIV epidemics in at least two countries, Iran and Pakistan. There is evidence for substantial but variable HIV and HCV prevalence, as well as risk behaviour including injecting drug use and unprotected sex among prisoners across countries. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive harm-reduction strategies in prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Heijnen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; ;
| | - Ghina R Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- College of Public Health, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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15
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Bagheri Amiri F, Mostafavi E, Mirzazadeh A. HIV, HBV and HCV Coinfection Prevalence in Iran--A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151946. [PMID: 27031352 PMCID: PMC4816272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND worldwide, hepatitis C and B virus infections (HCV and HCV), are the two most common coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has become a major threat to the survival of HIV-infected persons. The review aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV and triple coinfections in different subpopulations in Iran. METHOD Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of reports on prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and HIV coinfections in different subpopulations in Iran. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify eligible studies from January 1996 to March 2012 in English or Persian/Farsi databases. We extracted the prevalence of HIV antibodies (diagnosed by Elisa confirmed with Western Blot test), HCV antibodies and HBsAg (with confirmatory laboratory test) as the main primary outcome. We reported the prevalence of the three infections and coinfections as point and 95% confidence intervals. FINDINGS HIV prevalence varied from %0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-0.003) in the general population to %17.25 (95% CI: 2.94-31.57) in people who inject drugs (PWID). HBV prevalence ranged from % 0.00 (95% CI: 0.00-7.87) in health care workers to % 30.9 (95% CI: 27.88-33.92) in PWID. HCV prevalence ranged from %0.19 (95% CI: 0.00-0.66) in health care workers to %51.46 (95% CI: 34.30-68.62) in PWID. The coinfection of HIV/HBV and also HIV/HCV in the general population and in health care workers was zero, while the most common coinfections were HIV/HCV (10.95%), HIV/HBV (1.88%) and triple infections (1.25%) in PWID. CONCLUSIONS We found that PWID are severely and disproportionately affected by HIV and the other two infections, HCV and HBV. Screenings of such coinfections need to be reinforced to prevent new infections and also reduce further transmission in their community and to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri
- Department of Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Regional Knowledge Hub, and WHO Collaborating Centre for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Regional Knowledge Hub, and WHO Collaborating Centre for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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16
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Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Vickerman P, Larke N, Abu-Raddad LJ. Using hepatitis C prevalence to estimate HIV epidemic potential among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. AIDS 2015; 29:1701-10. [PMID: 26372281 PMCID: PMC4541475 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to understand the association between HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and to estimate HIV epidemic potential among PWIDs using HCV prevalence. DESIGN/METHODS Using data from a systematic review of HIV and HCV among PWID in MENA, we conducted two analyses, stratified by HIV epidemic state: a meta-analysis of the risk ratio of HCV to HIV prevalence (RRHCV/HIV) using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models, and multivariable linear regression predicting log HIV prevalence. The HCV-HIV association from both analyses was used to estimate HIV prevalence at endemic equilibrium. We compared predicted with current HIV prevalence to classify HIV epidemic potential at country-level as low, medium or high, using predefined criteria. RESULTS The review identified 88 HCV prevalence measures among PWID in MENA, of which 54 had a paired HIV prevalence measure. The pooled RRHCV/HIV were 16, 4 and 3 in low-level, emerging and established HIV epidemics, respectively. There was a significant linear relationship between HCV and HIV at endemic equilibrium (P = 0.002). The predicted endemic HIV prevalence ranged between 8% (Tunisia) and 22% (Pakistan). Of the nine countries with data, five have high and three medium HIV epidemic potential. Only one country, Pakistan, appears to have reached saturation. CONCLUSION HCV prevalence could be a predictor of future endemic HIV prevalence. In MENA, we predict that there will be further HIV epidemic growth among PWID. The proposed methodology can identify PWID populations that should be prioritized for HIV prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasha Larke
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mumtaz GR, Weiss HA, Thomas SL, Riome S, Setayesh H, Riedner G, Semini I, Tawil O, Akala FA, Wilson D, Abu-Raddad LJ. HIV among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review and data synthesis. PLoS Med 2014; 11:e1001663. [PMID: 24937136 PMCID: PMC4061009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is perceived that little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The primary objective of this study was to assess the status of the HIV epidemic among PWID in MENA by describing HIV prevalence and incidence. Secondary objectives were to describe the risk behavior environment and the HIV epidemic potential among PWID, and to estimate the prevalence of injecting drug use in MENA. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and covering 23 MENA countries. PubMed, Embase, regional and international databases, as well as country-level reports were searched up to December 16, 2013. Primary studies reporting (1) the prevalence/incidence of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) among PWIDs; or (2) the prevalence of injecting or sexual risk behaviors, or HIV knowledge among PWID; or (3) the number/proportion of PWID in MENA countries, were eligible for inclusion. The quality, quantity, and geographic coverage of the data were assessed at country level. Risk of bias in predefined quality domains was described to assess the quality of available HIV prevalence measures. After multiple level screening, 192 eligible reports were included in the review. There were 197 HIV prevalence measures on a total of 58,241 PWID extracted from reports, and an additional 226 HIV prevalence measures extracted from the databases. We estimated that there are 626,000 PWID in MENA (range: 335,000-1,635,000, prevalence of 0.24 per 100 adults). We found evidence of HIV epidemics among PWID in at least one-third of MENA countries, most of which are emerging concentrated epidemics and with HIV prevalence overall in the range of 10%-15%. Some of the epidemics have however already reached considerable levels including some of the highest HIV prevalence among PWID globally (87.1% in Tripoli, Libya). The relatively high prevalence of sharing needles/syringes (18%-28% in the last injection), the low levels of condom use (20%-54% ever condom use), the high levels of having sex with sex workers and of men having sex with men (15%-30% and 2%-10% in the last year, respectively), and of selling sex (5%-29% in the last year), indicate a high injecting and sexual risk environment. The prevalence of HCV (31%-64%) and of sexually transmitted infections suggest high levels of risk behavior indicative of the potential for more and larger HIV epidemics. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a large volume of HIV-related biological and behavioral data among PWID in the MENA region. The coverage and quality of the data varied between countries. There is robust evidence for HIV epidemics among PWID in multiple countries, most of which have emerged within the last decade and continue to grow. The lack of sufficient evidence in some MENA countries does not preclude the possibility of hidden epidemics among PWID in these settings. With the HIV epidemic among PWID in overall a relatively early phase, there is a window of opportunity for prevention that should not be missed through the provision of comprehensive programs, including scale-up of harm reduction services and expansion of surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina R. Mumtaz
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A. Weiss
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara L. Thomas
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Riome
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamidreza Setayesh
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gabriele Riedner
- Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iris Semini
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Oussama Tawil
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS Regional Support Team, Middle East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Francisca Ayodeji Akala
- Human Development Sector, Middle East and North Africa Region, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - David Wilson
- Global HIV/AIDS Program, World Bank, Washington (D.C.), United States of America
| | - Laith J. Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Outcome assessment of a triangular clinic as a harm reduction intervention in Rajaee-Shahr Prison, Iran. Harm Reduct J 2013; 10:41. [PMID: 24369092 PMCID: PMC3883467 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-10-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated injection drug users (IDU) is a health epidemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Triangular clinics (TCs) were established in prisons as a harm reduction measure to decrease the risk of HIV transmission and other blood-borne infections. The objective of this study was to assess the immediate outcomes of one TC among male IDUs in Iran’s Rajaee-Shahr prison. Methods This study was conducted in two stages between 2003 and 2005. In the preparatory stage, focus group data was collected to update the prison’s TC education and medical interventions and construct the self-report questionnaire. In stage two, 150 male IDUs were recruited in a closed cohort study design to assess the immediate outcome of the TC. Participants were measured at baseline and followed up to six months to measure their drug use, attitude toward and knowledge of high risk behaviours, serological conversion for HIV, HBV and HCV, and engagement in risky behaviors. The TC outcomes were determined through random urine analysis testing, a self-administered questionnaire and behaviour report cards, and viral infection testing. Results The findings of the urine analyses indicated a minimal yet consistent decrease in drug use over the six months. The pre and post- self-administered questionnaire data relayed a modest change in IDU risky behaviours associated with sexual practices; this was greater in comparison to the knowledge and attitude measures. It was determined that age may have a detrimental effect as may viral infections (HIV and HBV) on knowledge, attitude and behavior change. Both education and employment may have a protective effect. Data collected from the self-report behaviour cards similarly showed a modest reduction in high risk practices. At the six month follow-up, only one case became HIV positive, 9 HCV and 17 HBV. Conclusions Considering that HIV is concentrated among Iranian prisoners who inject drugs at a high level, the results of this study indicate that TCs are a possible effective intervention. However, many prisoners continued with risky behaviors even if they were participating in harm reduction measures, such as methadone maintenance therapy.
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