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Ghazaei M, Rafei N. Investigating the Relationship of Childhood Traumas and Sexual Guilt with Sexual Addiction in Iranian Prostitutes. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2024; 16:93-99. [PMID: 39051039 PMCID: PMC11264479 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2024.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Prostitution is a social phenomenon, and its underlying factors require more scholarly attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of childhood traumas and sexual guilt with sexual addiction in Iranian prostitutes. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on prostitutes who visited a health promotion center in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran in 2020. A total of 100 women agreed to participate in the study. Data collection tools included the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), Mosher Sex-Guilt Scale, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Findings The age of the participants ranged from 23 to 42, with a mean age of 33.54±8.9 years. About 40% of the participants were divorced, 13% were married, 27% were single, and 10% were widows. The findings indicated that 84% of the prostitutes met the criteria for sexual addiction according to SAST. Emotional abuse (r=0.41, P<0.001), physical abuse (r=0.32, P<0.001), sexual abuse (r=0.33, P<0.001), emotional neglect (r=0.52, P<0.001), and physical neglect (r=0.37, P<0.001) had a positive and significant relationship with sexual addiction in prostitutes. There was no correlation between sexual guilt and sexual addiction (r=0.13, P=0.09). Furthermore, the linear regression results showed that emotional neglect was the only variable positively associated with sexual addiction (β=0.5, P<0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study suggested that childhood traumas can predict sexual addiction in female prostitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghazaei
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Sadjad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nayereh Rafei
- Department of Psychology, Shandiz Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
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Kovtun O, Paniotto V, Sakhno Y, Dumchev K. Size estimation of key populations and 'bridge populations' based on the network scale-up method in Ukraine. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:979. [PMID: 38589836 PMCID: PMC11000406 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18501-1] [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] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Correct estimation of the size of key and bridge populations is crucial for an efficient HIV/AIDS response in resource-limited settings, enabling efficient program planning and resource allocation. The hidden nature of these groups poses challenges to traditional methods, leading to the adoption of innovative approaches like the network scale-up method (NSUM). In this article we present the results of a NSUM study conducted in 2020 in Ukraine, focusing on four key populations and three bridge populations, highlighting challenges and contributions to development of the method. METHODS From July to September 2020, we conducted a nationally representative survey in Ukraine via computer-assisted telephone interviews, and applied the known population method and summation method to estimate social networks sizes. Results were weighted based on individual sampling probability and adjusted for social respect and visibility factors to address potential limitations. RESULTS Our study achieved a 20% response rate with 10,000 completed interviews. The social network size, using the known population method, was 213 people, and 125 using the summation method. Adjusting for the social respect and visibility, estimated key populations sizes were 295,857 [248,714-343,001] people who inject drugs, 152,267 [109,960-194,573] men who have sex with men, 78,385 [57,146-99,619] sex workers, and 9,963 [7,352-12,571] transgender people, detailed by age and gender. Bridge populations were estimated at 62,162 [50,445-73,879] sexual partners of people who inject drugs, 284,348 [233,113-335,583] clients of sex workers, and 13,697 [7,370-20,026] female partners of men who have sex with men. CONCLUSIONS NSUM proves reliable for estimating key populations size with appropriate corrections. It shows promise for further use in Ukraine, considering limited geographic coverage of the integrated bio-behavioral studies to use multiplier-based methods. However, the validity concerns persist for estimating bridge populations size, emphasizing the need for further method refinement and addressing implementation issues, particularly those related to data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yulia Sakhno
- Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Kostyantyn Dumchev
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 24 Bulvarno-Kudryavska Street, building 3, 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Bazyar M, Ghorabi ST, Sadeghifar J, Ranjbar M, Pakzad R, Bonyadi F, Khasi K, Shakiba E, Nourbakhsh M, Rezeghian L, Noshadi B, Bavandpour M, HasanBeigi A, Behzadi A. What may encourage or deter health services utilization by people living with or at the risk of HIV/AIDS in special health centers? Qualitative evidence from a stigmatized community. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:981. [PMID: 38589818 PMCID: PMC11000400 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18480-3] [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] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral Diseases Counseling Centers (BDCCs) and Vulnerable Women's Counseling Centers (VWCCs) in Iran are the main peripheral centers that offer educational, counseling, diagnostic, preventive, curative and protective services to individuals living with or at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and female sex workers respectively. Due to the social stigma surrounding HIV in Iran, this study aims to identify the factors that may hinder or encourage HIV/AIDS patients and women with risky sexual behaviors from visiting these centers. METHODS Conducted in 2023, this qualitative study involved individuals visiting BDCCs and VWCCs in two western provinces of Iran, Ilam and Kermanshah. The study participants included 21 health staff members working in BDCCs and VWCCs and 20 HIV/AIDS patients and vulnerable women with unsafe sexual behaviors referring to these centers. Purposive, snowball and maximum variation sampling techniques were applied to interview the participants. Interviews were conducted between January 5th and May 21st, 2023, using a semi-structure guideline. Interviews were transcribed and content analysis approach was applied to analyze data using MAXQDA20 software. RESULTS According to the findings, the barriers and facilitators of visiting specialized centers for HIV/AIDS patients and vulnerable women were categorized into three main categories, 10 subcategories and 35 sub-subcategories including: Medical and operational processes (4 subcategories and 12 sub-subcategories), mutual interactions between the personnel and visitors (people living with and at the risk of getting HIV/AIDS) (3 subcategory and 13 sub-subcategories), and physical characteristics of the centers (3 subcategories and 10 sub-subcategories). CONCLUSIONS To improve the performance of BDCCs and VWCCs and encourage people living with and at the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS to visit these centers regularly, health policy makers should consider modifying clinical processes, physical features, personnel behaviors and visitors' concerns raised by the interviewees and the issues identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bazyar
- Health Management and Economics Department, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tahmasebi Ghorabi
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Emam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Jamil Sadeghifar
- Health Management and Economics Department, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ranjbar
- Health Policy & Management Research Center, Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bonyadi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Keyvan Khasi
- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Public Health Deputy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Shakiba
- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Public Health Deputy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahtab Nourbakhsh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Leila Rezeghian
- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Public Health Deputy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Boshra Noshadi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Bavandpour
- Behavioral Diseases Research Center, Public Health Deputy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azim HasanBeigi
- Communicable Diseases Department, Public Health Deputy, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam,, Iran
| | - Anahita Behzadi
- Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Tuyishime E, Remera E, Kayitesi C, Malamba S, Sangwayire B, Habimana Kabano I, Ruisenor-Escudero H, Oluoch T, Unna Chukwu A. Estimation of the Population Size of Street- and Venue-Based Female Sex Workers and Sexually Exploited Minors in Rwanda in 2022: 3-Source Capture-Recapture. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e50743. [PMID: 38488847 PMCID: PMC10980986 DOI: 10.2196/50743] [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] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV surveillance among key populations is a priority in all epidemic settings. Female sex workers (FSWs) globally as well as in Rwanda are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic; hence, the Rwanda HIV and AIDS National Strategic Plan (2018-2024) has adopted regular surveillance of population size estimation (PSE) of FSWs every 2-3 years. OBJECTIVE We aimed at estimating, for the fourth time, the population size of street- and venue-based FSWs and sexually exploited minors aged ≥15 years in Rwanda. METHODS In August 2022, the 3-source capture-recapture method was used to estimate the population size of FSWs and sexually exploited minors in Rwanda. The field work took 3 weeks to complete, with each capture occasion lasting for a week. The sample size for each capture was calculated using shinyrecap with inputs drawn from previously conducted estimation exercises. In each capture round, a stratified multistage sampling process was used, with administrative provinces as strata and FSW hotspots as the primary sampling unit. Different unique objects were distributed to FSWs in each capture round; acceptance of the unique object was marked as successful capture. Sampled FSWs for the subsequent capture occasions were asked if they had received the previously distributed unique object in order to determine recaptures. Statistical analysis was performed in R (version 4.0.5), and Bayesian Model Averaging was performed to produce the final PSE with a 95% credibility set (CS). RESULTS We sampled 1766, 1848, and 1865 FSWs and sexually exploited minors in each capture round. There were 169 recaptures strictly between captures 1 and 2, 210 recaptures exclusively between captures 2 and 3, and 65 recaptures between captures 1 and 3 only. In all 3 captures, 61 FSWs were captured. The median PSE of street- and venue-based FSWs and sexually exploited minors in Rwanda was 37,647 (95% CS 31,873-43,354), corresponding to 1.1% (95% CI 0.9%-1.3%) of the total adult females in the general population. Relative to the adult females in the general population, the western and northern provinces ranked first and second with a higher concentration of FSWs, respectively. The cities of Kigali and eastern province ranked third and fourth, respectively. The southern province was identified as having a low concentration of FSWs. CONCLUSIONS We provide, for the first time, both the national and provincial level population size estimate of street- and venue-based FSWs in Rwanda. Compared with the previous 2 rounds of FSW PSEs at the national level, we observed differences in the street- and venue-based FSW population size in Rwanda. Our study might not have considered FSWs who do not want anyone to know they are FSWs due to several reasons, leading to a possible underestimation of the true PSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysee Tuyishime
- African Center of Excellence in Data Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Eric Remera
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Catherine Kayitesi
- Institute of HIV Disease Prevention and Control, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Samuel Malamba
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Beata Sangwayire
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Horacio Ruisenor-Escudero
- Key Population Surveillance Team, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Global HIV/TB, Global Health Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tom Oluoch
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Global Health Center, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Angela Unna Chukwu
- African Center of Excellence in Data Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Mafakheri Bashmaq S, Ahmadi A, Mohsenpour B, Rahmani K, Arasteh M, Shams Alizadeh N, Babahajian A, Advay S, Abbaszadeh A. Prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV and syphilis among female sex workers in Kurdistan, west of Iran. CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2024; 15:38-45. [PMID: 38463912 PMCID: PMC10921097 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.15.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Female sex workers (FSWs) in most societies run a high risk of health problems, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as viral infections and syphilis. The present study examines the prevalence of viral infections and syphilis among FSWs. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 100 female sex workers (April 2019 to April 2020) who visited the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases or were selected via purposeful (snowball) sampling. A questionnaire (demographic information and STI risk factors) was completed in a face-to-face interview with the participants. Blood samples were then taken to test the markers for HBV, HCV Ab, HIV Ab, Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) for syphilis and a PCR was taken to test for HPV (in vaginal sex workers from the cervix and anal sex workers from the anal region). The data were analyzed in Stata 14. Results Among 100 FSWs, 6 (6%) were infected with HIV, 1 (1%) with hepatitis B, and 2 (2%) were anti-HCV positive. 1 (1%) participant was suspected of having syphilis. Based on the PCR tests, 16 (16%) participants were infected with HPV. Moreover, 68 (68%) FSWs reported having unprotected sex. Conclusion Due to the prevalence of viral infections and syphilis and unprotected sex in FSWs, immediate preventive measures are critical for this vulnerable group to control the transmission of these viral infections in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaye Mafakheri Bashmaq
- Student Reaserch Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Mafakheri Bashmaq and Ahmadi contributed equally in this article
| | - Amjad Ahmadi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Mafakheri Bashmaq and Ahmadi contributed equally in this article
| | - Behzad Mohsenpour
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, 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
| | - Modabber Arasteh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Narges Shams Alizadeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Asrin Babahajian
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Shoaib Advay
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asefeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Tavakoli F, Moradi G, Mirzazadeh A, Zarei B, Sharifi H. HIV testing and its associated factors among female sex workers in Iran in 2020: Finding from a respondent-driven sampling survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289307. [PMID: 37527241 PMCID: PMC10393135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV testing uptake was around 70% among female sex workers (FSWs) in Iran in 2015. Due to the recognized importance of HIV testing in prevention, care, and treatment among FSWs, this study aimed to provide an update and also an improvement as it uses respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for the frequency and the correlates of HIV testing among FSWs in Iran. A total of 1,515 FSWs were recruited from eight cities in Iran between 2019-2020 using RDS. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews. Also, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were used to determine HIV and syphilis status as per national guidelines. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore correlates of HIV testing in the last 12 months. Of 1,399 FSWs who had data for HIV testing, 44.7% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 40.7; 48.7) reported HIV testing in the last 12 months. The odds of HIV testing in the last 12 months was higher among FSWs who used a condom at last sex with a non-paying partner (Adjusted OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.39; 2.27), never used alcohol (Adjusted OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.33; 2.23), ever used drug (Adjusted OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.22; 2.08). HIV testing among FSWs in Iran is considerably low. It is necessary to know the barriers to HIV testing to improve the cascade of HIV treatment in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh 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
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Bushra Zarei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Hamid 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
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Mirzaei H, Mirzazadeh A, Barouni M, Ranjbar E, Eybpoosh S, Sharifi H. Epidemiology and spatial distribution of people diagnosed with HIV between 1997 and 2020 in Kerman, Iran. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:85-90. [PMID: 35459756 PMCID: PMC10793967 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study described the epidemiology and geographical distribution of people diagnosed with HIV in Kerman, Iran, between 1997 and 2020. METHODS We used case-based HIV surveillance data of all people diagnosed with HIV in Kerman between 1997 and 2020. We compared the age, gender, modes of transmission and spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV-infected people in three time periods (1997-2004, 2005-2012 and 2013-2020). The χ2 test for trend, one-sample t-test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the differences between the three time periods. We also used ArcGIS to map both HIV services and people living with HIV (PLWH) in 2020. The nearest neighbour index and kernel density were used to identify the spatial distribution of PLWH. RESULTS A total of 459 (27.5% women) people were diagnosed with HIV during 1997-2020. The proportion of women (9.3% in 1997-2004 and 48.3% in 2013-2020, p<0.001), HIV infection through sexual contacts (11.6% in 1997-2004 and 50.3% in 2013-2020, p<0.001), HIV infection under the age of 5 years (0.8% in 1997-2004 and 5.4% in 2013-2020, p=0.01) and mean age at diagnosis among men (34.9 in 1997-2004 and 39.8 years in 2013-2020, p=0.004) significantly increased over time. 36.2% of diagnosed cases had CD4 counts under 200 x 10ˆ6/L between 2013 and 2020, with no significant improvement over time. Most newly diagnosed cases of HIV were from the eastern parts of the city. The clusters of PLWH in 2020 matched with the locations of HIV services. CONCLUSION We observed important changes in HIV epidemiology regarding gender, modes of transmission, number of paediatric cases and density maps over time in Kerman. These changes should be considered for precise targeting of HIV prevention and treatment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mirzaei
- 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
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mohsen Barouni
- Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Future Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Ranjbar
- Kerman Counseling Center for Behavioral Disorders, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sana Eybpoosh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid 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
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Olfati L, Safari-Faramani R, Najafi F, Nazar MM, Shakiba E. Population size estimation of female sex workers using network scale-up method in Kermanshah city. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:268. [PMID: 36750800 PMCID: PMC9906867 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate estimate of size of the female sex workers as well as the other hard-to-reach-populations plays a crucial role in reaching them with effective preventive measures. This study aimed to estimate the population size of female sex workers in Kermanshah City using the network scale-up method. METHOD In this cross-sectional study, of the 1000 pedestrians aged between 18 and 65 years, selected from the population of Kermanshah City via a multistage sampling, were recruited in the study. Face-to-face interview using a questionnaire including the number of FSWs in the social network of the respondent was used to collect the data. RESULTS The overall estimated number of female sex workers in the general population was 4848(UI 95%: 4597, 5074). Accordingly, the prevalence of FSWs among women 18 years and older in Kermanshah in 2018 was about 11.92 (UI 95%: 11.30, 12.47) in one thousand. More than half of the female sex workers in the respondent's social network were unmarried and were in the age range of 18 to 29, and had a high school or university degree. Among high-risk behaviors, a history of alcohol consumption accounted for the highest percentage. CONCLUSION The number of female sex workers estimated in this study is considerable, which highlights the importance of planning harm reduction interventions in order to alleviate the burden of HIV infection in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Olfati
- grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Student Research Committee, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Roya Safari-Faramani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health Research Centre for Environmental Determinants of Health Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Farid Najafi
- grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Department of Epidemiology, School of Health Research Centre for Environmental Determinants of Health Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mehdi Moradi Nazar
- grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Department of Epidemiology, School of Health Research Centre for Environmental Determinants of Health Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Shakiba
- grid.412112.50000 0001 2012 5829Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine Social Development and Health Promotion Research Centre Research Institute for Health Kermanshah, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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HIV prevalence and associated factors among female sex workers in Iran: a bio-behavioral survey in 2020. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:909-918. [PMID: 36097087 PMCID: PMC9466307 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Despite the overall decline in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, it remains unacceptably high in key populations. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of HIV infection and high-risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSWs). This study was a cross-sectional survey of FSWs conducted between December 2019 and August 2020 in eight geographically diverse cities in Iran. After providing informed consent, participants completed a bio-behavioral questionnaire and after completion of the interview, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and dried blood spots (DBS) were collected to determine HIV and syphilis status as per national guidelines, if the women consented. All analyzes were based on RDS adjustment. Weighting was done according to Giles'SS estimator. Among the 1515 FSWs, the overall prevalence of HIV and syphilis were 1.6% (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) and zero, respectively. The highest HIV prevalence was observed in Shiraz (5.1%) and Khorramabad city (1.6%). In addition, HIV-positive FSWs had a higher mean age at first sexual contact than HIV-negative FSWs (21.4 ± 5.6 vs. 17.2 ± 4.2 years). Injection drug use and a history of arrest or incarceration were associated with an increased odds of HIV infection (OR = 6.25; 95% CI: 1.90-20.55 and OR = 4.57; 95% CI: 1.64-12.72, respectively). Based on the results, strategies to improve early HIV diagnosis, harm reduction, and use of testing and treatment strategies are needed to reduce and control HIV infections.
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Mehmandoost S, Sharifi H, Shokoohi M, Khezri M, Mirzazadeh A, Shahesmaeili A, Gahlekhani N, Kamali K, Haghdoost AA, Karamouzian M. Sexualized Substance Use among Female Sex Workers in Iran: Findings from a Nationwide Survey. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 58:298-305. [PMID: 36576274 PMCID: PMC10881188 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2161824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) are at higher risk of HIV due to high-risk sexual and drug use related behaviors. This study characterized sexualized substance use among FSWs in Iran. Methods: In 2015, 1,337 FSWs were recruited from centers for vulnerable women and through outreach efforts in 13 major cities in Iran. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews from consenting FSWs on a range of socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. The primary outcome of interest was sexualized substance use, defined as reporting alcohol or drug use before or during sex in the past month. Bivariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the correlates of sexualized substance use. Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results: The prevalence of sexualized substance use was 31.3% (95% CI: 28.7, 34.0). Inconsistent condom use during sex with clients in the past month (aPR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.71), regular (i.e., at least weekly in the past month) alcohol use (aPR = 2.87; 95% CI: 2.17, 3.80), regular opioid use (aPR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.02), regular stimulant use (aPR = 2.68; 95% CI: 2.12, 3.39), and self-reported HIV negative status (aPR= 1.88; 95% CI: 1.14, 3.10) were significantly and positively associated with sexualized substance use. Conclusions: Sexualized substance use was associated with riskier sexual behavior and self-reported HIV sero-negativity. Harm reduction messaging to FSWs needs to go beyond focusing on sexual health promotion and further highlight the risks associated with sexualized substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil 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
| | - Hamid 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
| | - Mostafa 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
| | - Mehrdad 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
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- 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
| | - Nima Gahlekhani
- 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
| | - Kianoush Kamali
- Midlife Health Office, Department of Population Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- 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
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- 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
- Centre On Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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11
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Kennedy L. The silent majority: The typical Canadian sex worker may not be who we think. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277550. [PMID: 36378670 PMCID: PMC9665380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most sex worker population studies measure population at discrete points in time and very few studies have been done in industrialized democracies. The purpose of this study is to consider how time affects the population dynamics of contact sex workers in Canada using publicly available internet advertising data collected over multiple years. METHODS 3.6 million web pages were collected from advertising sites used by contact sex workers between November, 2014 and December, 2016 inclusive. Contacts were extracted from ads and used to identify advertisers. First names were used to estimate the number of workers represented by an advertiser. Counts of advertisers and names were adjusted for missing data and overcounting. Two approaches for correcting overcounts are compared. Population estimates were generated weekly, monthly and for the two year period. The length of time advertisers were active was also estimated. Estimates are also compared with related research. RESULTS Canadian sex workers typically advertised individually or in small collectives (median name count 1, IQR 1-2, average 1.8, SD 4.4). Advertisers were active for a mean of 73.3 days (SD 151.8, median 14, IQR 1-58). Advertisers were at least 83.5% female. Respectively the scaled weekly, monthly, and biannual estimates for female sex workers represented 0.2%, 0.3% and 2% of the 2016 Canadian female 20-49 population. White advertisers were the most predominant ethnic group (53%). CONCLUSIONS Sex work in Canada is a more pervasive phenomenon than indicated by spot estimates and the length of the data collection period is an important variable. Non-random samples used in qualitative research in Canada likely do not reflect the larger sex worker population represented in advertising. The overall brevity of advertising activity suggests that workers typically exercise agency, reflecting the findings of other Canadian research.
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12
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Bozicevic I, Sharifi H, Haghdoost A, Sabry A, Hermez J. Availability of HIV surveillance data in key populations in the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 121:211-216. [PMID: 35533830 PMCID: PMC9174059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present an assessment of key components and results of HIV surveillance activities relevant for understanding HIV epidemics in the countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region among key populations (KPs), which include men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs and transgender people. METHODS We examined HIV surveillance data submitted by the National AIDS Programmes of all 22 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region via an online database hosted by the WHO since 2011. We also examined journal articles available on PubMed and technical reports on surveillance activities. RESULTS Recent (i.e., since 2017) estimates of HIV indicators from integrated bio-behavioral surveys (IBBS) were available from only four countries (Lebanon, Morocco, Somalia, and Tunisia) and population size estimates from two (Afghanistan and Morocco). IBBS indicated an increase in HIV prevalence among KPs in Pakistan, among people who inject drugs and female sex workers in Tunisia, and among MSM in Lebanon. Information on size estimations of KPs was available from 11 countries, and population size estimation data since 2017 had been collected in only Afghanistan and Morocco. CONCLUSION Although some countries have been able to progressively expand HIV strategic information systems, there were still few or no HIV data on KPs in almost a third of the countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bozicevic
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for HIV Strategic Information, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia,Corresponding author: Phone : +385 99 450 51 55.
| | - Hamid 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
| | - AliAkbar Haghdoost
- 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
| | - Ahmed Sabry
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Joumana Hermez
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
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13
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Khodadost M, Ghalekhani N, Hajebi A, Gouya MM, Afsar Kazerooni P, Ghoddousi SE, Fathih HR, Khojasteh Bojnordi T, Sarvi F, Vashani J, Zare Banad Kokie F, Hashemvarzi MR, Davasazirani R, Sharifi H, Motevalian SA. Mapping and size estimation of people who inject drugs: an innovative approach for targeted harm reduction program in Iran. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2077247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Khodadost
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Ghalekhani
- 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
| | - Ahmad Hajebi
- Research Center for Addiction & Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Psychiatric Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Gouya
- National Communicable Disease Control Centre, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyyed Ebrahim Ghoddousi
- Mental Health Social Health and Addiction Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Ira
| | - Hamid R. Fathih
- Secretary of the Coordinating Council for Prevention, Treatment and Harm Reduction of Substance Use Disorders, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Toktam Khojasteh Bojnordi
- Mental Health Social Health and Addiction Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Ira
| | - Fatemeh Sarvi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Jamshid Vashani
- Mental and Social Health department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Reza Hashemvarzi
- Mental and Social Health department, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Reza Davasazirani
- Health Center of Khuzestan Province, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hamid 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
| | - Seyed Abbas Motevalian
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
- Manager of Tobacco, Alcohol and substance use disorders prevention and harm reduction office, Ministry of health, IR of Iran
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14
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Hosseini-Hooshyar S, Mirzazadeh A, Karamouzian M, Sharifi H, Khajehkazemi R, Haghdoost AA, Shokoohi M. Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Violence Experienced by Female Sex Workers in Iran: Results from a National HIV Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey. Violence Against Women 2022; 28:872-889. [PMID: 34057851 PMCID: PMC8785289 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211008992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence increases the risk of adverse health outcomes among female sex workers (FSWs). Using data from the 2015 national bio-behavioral survey, we explored the experience of sexual violence and its associated factors among Iranian FSWs. Lifetime and recent sexual violence were reported by 40.1% and 16.9%, respectively. History of substance use, ever engaging in anal sex, engaging in group sex within the last year, a high number of clients, recent unstable housing, and incarceration increased the likelihood of experiencing recent sexual violence. These findings underscore the need for community-empowerment and policy-level interventions to address violence among FSWs in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Hosseini-Hooshyar
- 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,The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- 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,School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hamid 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
| | - Razieh Khajehkazemi
- 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
| | - Ali-Akbar Haghdoost
- 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,Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa 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, Canada,Mostafa Shokoohi, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3M7.
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15
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Mapping and population size estimates of people who inject drugs in Afghanistan in 2019: Synthesis of multiple methods. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262405. [PMID: 35089934 PMCID: PMC8797259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mapping and population size estimates of people who inject drugs (PWID) provide information needed for monitoring coverage of programs and planning interventions. The objectives of this study were to provide the locations and numbers of PWID in eight cities in Afghanistan and extrapolate estimates for the country as a whole. METHODS Multiple population size estimation methods were used, including key informant interviews for mapping and enumeration with reverse tracking, unique object and service multipliers, capture-recapture, and wisdom of the crowds. The results of the several methods were synthesized using the Anchored Multiplier-a Bayesian approach to produce point estimates and 95% credible intervals (CI). Using the prevalence of PWID in the eight cities and their correlation with proxy indicators, we extrapolated the PWID population size for all of Afghanistan. RESULTS Key informants and field mapping identified 374 hotspots across the eight cities from December 29, 2018 to March 20, 2019. Synthesizing results of the multiple methods, the number of male PWID in the eight study cities was estimated to be 11,506 (95% CI 8,449-15,093), corresponding to 0.69% (95% CI 0.50-0.90) of the adult male population age 15-64 years. The total number of women who injected drugs was estimated at 484 (95% CI 356-633), corresponding to 0.03% (95% CI 0.02-0.04) of the adult female population. Extrapolating by proxy indicators, the total number of PWID in Afghanistan was estimated to be 54,782 (95% CI 40,250-71,837), men and 2,457 (95% CI 1,823-3,210) women. The total number of PWID in Afghanistan was estimated to be 57,207 (95% CI 42,049-75,005), which corresponds to 0.37% (95% CI 0.27-0.48) of the adult population age 15 to 64 years. DISCUSSION This study provided estimates for the number of PWID in Afghanistan. These estimates can be used for advocating and planning services for this vulnerable at-risk population.
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16
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Social Support Associated with Condom Use Behavior Among Female Sex Workers in Iran. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:321-333. [PMID: 34476736 PMCID: PMC8412856 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the widespread knowledge about social support and health, there is little information about the association between social support and HIV risk behaviors such as condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Iran. This study aimed to determine the association between social support and frequency of condom use among FSWs in Tehran, Iran. METHODS Using mixed sampling methods, we recruited 170 FSWs in Tehran in 2017. We measured self-reported social support by face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Linear regression was used to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics (age, education level, marital status, and place of living), transactional sex characteristics (age at first transactional sex and frequency of transactional sex in the last month), HIV knowledge, social support network characteristics (social network size, duration of tie, intimacy, social support), and condom use behavior. RESULTS Of the total of 1193 persons in FSW's social networks, 615 (51%) were sexual partners, 529 (44%) were peer sex workers, and 36 (5%) were family members. The participants perceived moderate social support from sexual partners, low from peer sex workers, and very low from family members. Adjusted for individual and other network characteristics, peer sex worker social support (b = 0.28, 95%CI 0.06, 0.50), and family support (b = 1.12, 95%CI 0.028, 2.23) were significantly associated with condom use. CONCLUSION Family and peer sex worker social support are associated with condom use, but less strongly than HIV knowledge or place of living. However, very few FSWs are socially connected with families. Interventions to promote condom use among this vulnerable population should also consider social and familial support.
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17
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Condomless Sex With Partners and Clients Among Female Sex Workers in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 33:63-77. [PMID: 34939989 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Condomless sex is the most proximal risk for HIV acquisition among female sex workers (FSWs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence for the prevalence of condomless sex among FSWs in Iran. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to pool the prevalence estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled prevalence of condomless sex at last sex with a paying client and a nonpaying partner was 34.23% (95% CI: 27.83-40.93) and 48.34 (95% CI: 38.43-58.32), respectively. Last-month inconsistent condom use was 49.01% (95% CI: 21.64-76.71) with paying clients and 60.21% (95% CI: 31.27-85.73) with nonpaying partners. The pooled prevalence of lifetime condom nonuse with any partners/clients was 15.26% (95% CI: 10.68-20.49). These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of FSWs engage in high-risk sexual practices. Community-led programs should be stimulated to improve consistent condom use among FSWs.
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18
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Yoosefi Lebni J, Irandoost SF, Dehghan AA, Ziapour A, Khosravi B, Mehedi N. Exploring the reasons for women to engage in sex work in Tehran, Iran: A qualitative study. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08512. [PMID: 34926855 PMCID: PMC8649730 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex work is a growing phenomenon triggered by a number of causes. The current study uses a qualitative method to investigate the reasons why women participate in sex work in Tehran. Methods The statistical population consisted of all female sex workers in Tehran, Iran, from which 22 individuals were chosen via snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted for data gathering, and traditional content analysis was used for data analysis. Graneheim and Lundman's method was utilized to evaluate the data, and Guba and Lincoln's criteria were employed to determine the research's strength and transferability. Results The results of the data analysis were divided into five categories (or themes) and 19 subcategories. The categories were familial instability, societal pressure, consumerism, social insecurity, and a meek and inefficient personality. Conclusion Sex work may be avoided by raising women's social status, providing greater economic assistance, making society safer, particularly in workplaces, improving intra-family connections, boosting self-esteem and self-efficacy, and teaching them how to deal with life's issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Yoosefi Lebni
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Fahim Irandoost
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Arash Ziapour
- Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bahar Khosravi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nafiul Mehedi
- Department of Social Work, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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19
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Jorjoran Shushtari Z, Salimi Y, Hosseini SA, Sajjadi H, Snijders TAB. Determinants of safe sexual behavior of female sex workers in Tehran: the woman, her network, and the sexual partner. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2219. [PMID: 34872543 PMCID: PMC8647307 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the steady growth of sexual transmission of HIV, there is little evidence about safe sexual behavior of FSWs, and social network effects on this behavior, in Iran. Our aim in this study was to determine the effect of social network characteristics on condom use among FSWs, considering individual characteristics of the FSWs and of their sexual partners, characteristics of their relationship, and the FSW's personal network. METHODS A cross-sectional ego-centric network survey of 170 FSWs was carried out in Tehran between January and June 2017. A multilevel ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of individual and relational characteristics simultaneously. RESULTS Condom use in sexual relationships of the FSWs on average was rather low. Important determinants of safe sexual behavior were found both at the level of the individual FSW and at the level of the sexual partner. The main determinants at the level of the individual FSW were FSWs' age and HIV knowledge. At the level of the sexual partner, age and education of sexual partners, as well as intimacy, duration of tie, frequency of contacts with a given partner, frequency of contact, perceived social support, and perceived safe sex norms were significantly associated with condom use. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlighted that considering only the individual characteristics of female sex workers is not sufficient for effectively promoting condom use. Factors at the network and dyadic level should also be considered, especially the role of sexual partners. Network-based interventions may be useful which modify social relationships to create a social environment that can facilitate changes in sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, P.O Box: 1985713834, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Salimi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Hosseini
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, P.O Box: 1985713834, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Homeira Sajjadi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, P.O Box: 1985713834, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tom A B Snijders
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, 9712 TG, Groningen, Netherlands
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 1NF, UK
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20
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Data Smoothing, Extrapolation, and Triangulation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34339011 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75464-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
While population size data at the national and subnational levels are critical for planning and resource allocation, most PSE studies are conducted in a few selected cities and towns due to resource and time constraints. Extrapolation methods to estimate the population size for locations not included in the PSE exercise are critical to providing data for all subnational jurisdictions and the entire country as a whole. The decision on how to select cities or towns that reflect best the national picture is a critical first step. You may need to include cities or towns from areas with low, medium, or high prevalence of your target population(s). Having some data from all these (three) areas increase the power of your study and helps to better extrapolate the results to unobserved areas, and to the national level. Through this process, data smoothing of subnational data is often needed due to relatively small samples size problem. In this chapter, we describe methods that are required for smoothing subnational data, model subnational data to extrapolate estimates to regional and national levels, and triangulate findings from different size estimation methods by a Bayesian framework to produce credible estimates.
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21
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Estimating the Size of Hidden Groups. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34339010 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75464-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
NSU studies have been applied in different countries. For example, this technique has been used in the United States to estimate the number of women who had been raped in the last year.
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22
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Farhoudi B, Ghalekhani N, Afsar Kazerooni P, Namdari Tabar H, Tayeri K, Gouya MM, SeyedAlinaghi S, Haghdoost AA, Mirzazadeh A, Sharifi H. Cascade of care in people living with HIV in Iran in 2019; how far to reach UNAIDS/WHO targets. AIDS Care 2021; 34:590-596. [PMID: 34180724 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1944603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systematic HIV program evaluation requires looking at all steps of the HIV cascade of care, from diagnosis to treatment outcomes. Our study was carried out to assess the treatment cascade of people living with HIV (PLWH) in Iran in 2019. We used data from the HIV Case Registry System of Iran through December 2019. We estimated the number of PLWH in 2019 by using Spectrum, and then the proportion of them being diagnosed, linked to care, received antiretroviral treatment and suppressed viral load. We estimated that there are 59,314 (UI: 32,685-125,636) PLWH in Iran, of whom 22,054 people (37% of PLWH) were diagnosed. At the end of 2019, of whom, 14,685 (25% of PLWH) people received antiretroviral therapy. Also, of whom 6338 (11% of PLWH) people had viral load suppression by 2019. Our results showed that about one-third of total PLWH were diagnosed, while this defect is somewhat less in children than adults. To reach the 90.90.90 targets Iran needs to developed the current national HIV care guidelines, which recommend best strategies to scale up the case finding and linkage to care among undiagnosed people specifically those who infected by sexual contact in general and key populations as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Farhoudi
- Social Determinant of Health research Center, Amiralmomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Ghalekhani
- 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
| | - Parvin Afsar Kazerooni
- HIV/AIDS Control Office, Center for Communicable Disease, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hengameh Namdari Tabar
- HIV/AIDS Control Office, Center for Communicable Disease, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Katayoun Tayeri
- HIV/AIDS Control Office, Center for Communicable Disease, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- 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
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hamid 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
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Ahmadi S, Khezri M, Roshanfekr P, Karimi SE, Vameghi M, Ali D, Ahounbar E, Noroozi M, Shokoohi M. HIV testing and its associated factors among street-based female sex workers in Iran: results of a national rapid assessment and response survey. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021; 16:43. [PMID: 34001164 PMCID: PMC8130331 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are at a disproportionate risk of sexually transmitted infections and they may face significant barriers to HIV testing. This study aimed to examine HIV testing prevalence and its associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. Method A total of 898 FSWs were recruited from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Eligible FSWs were women aged 18 years of age who had at least one commercial sexual intercourse in the previous year. HIV testing was defined as having tested for HIV in the lifetime. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the correlates of HIV testing. We report adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Result Overall, 57.8% (95%CI: 20.0, 88.0) of participants reported having tested for HIV, and HIV prevalence among FSWs who tested for HIV was 10.3% (95%CI: 7.5, 13.0). The multivariable model showed that unstable housing (aOR: 8.86, 95%CI: 2.68, 29.32) and drug use (aOR: 3.47, 95%CI: 1.33, 9.06) were associated with increased likelihood of HIV testing. However, FSWs with a higher level of income were less likely to be tested for HIV (aOR: 0.09, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.43). Conclusion Almost one in ten street-based FSWs had never tested for HIV. These findings suggest the need for evidence-based strategies such as outreach support and HIV self-testing to improve HIV testing in this marginalized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Ahmadi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad 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
| | - Payam Roshanfekr
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Salah Eddin Karimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Meroe Vameghi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Ali
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Ahounbar
- Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Noroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa 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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24
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Tavakoli F, Khezri M, Tam M, Bazrafshan A, Sharifi H, Shokoohi M. Injection and non-injection drug use among female sex workers in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108655. [PMID: 33689969 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug use is a prevalent risk behavior among female sex workers (FSWs) as it increases the vulnerability of this marginalized population to negative health outcomes, including HIV infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of injection and non-injection drug use among FSWs in Iran. METHODS Systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO (for English records), along with Iranian databases including IranMedex, Iran Psych Magiran, Scientific Information Database, and Irandoc (for Farsi records) were conducted for studies published from inception through to July 2020. We included quantitative studies on injection and non-injection drug use among FSWs. The pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of recent and lifetime drug injection and non-injection were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Of 458 screened records, 19 met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of recent non-injection drug use and injection drug use was 56.94% (95% CI: 44.68, 68.78) and 5.67% (95% CI: 2.09, 10.73), respectively. Opium (33.00%, 95% CI: 24.53, 42.05) and crystal methamphetamine (20.68%, 95% CI: 13.59, 28.79) were the most prevalent recent non-injection drugs used. Additionally, the pooled prevalence of lifetime non-injection drug use was 76.08% (95% CI: 66.81, 84.27) and injection drug use was 10.72% (95% CI: 7.02, 15.07). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review shows that drug use, both injection and non-injection, is prevalent among FSWs in Iran. These findings highlight the importance of evidence-based harm reduction and treatment programs to reduce the burdens of drug use and its associated potential consequences among these underserved women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh 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
| | - Mehrdad 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
| | - Michelle Tam
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Azam Bazrafshan
- 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
| | - Hamid 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
| | - Mostafa 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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25
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Estimating the Population Size of Female Sex Workers in Zimbabwe: Comparison of Estimates Obtained Using Different Methods in Twenty Sites and Development of a National-Level Estimate. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:30-38. [PMID: 32379082 PMCID: PMC7417013 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
National-level population size estimates (PSEs) for hidden populations are required for HIV programming and modelling. Various estimation methods are available at the site-level, but it remains unclear which are optimal and how best to obtain national-level estimates.
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26
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Roshanfekr P, Khezri M, Karimi SE, Vameghi M, Ali D, Ahmadi S, Ahounbar E, Mahzari K, Roshanpajouh M, Noroozi M, Shokoohi M, Mirzazadeh A. Lifetime and past-month substance use and injection among street-based female sex workers in Iran. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:33. [PMID: 33726756 PMCID: PMC7962286 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00477-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Street-based female sex workers (FSWs) are highly at risk of HIV and other harms associated with sex work. We assessed the prevalence of non-injection and injection drug use and their associated factors among street-based FSWs in Iran. METHODS We recruited 898 FSWs from 414 venues across 19 major cities in Iran between October 2016 and March 2017. Correlates of lifetime and past-month non-injection and injection drug use were assessed through multivariable logistic regression models. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS Lifetime and past-month non-injection drug use were reported by 60.3% (95% CI 51, 84) and 47.2% (95% CI 38, 67) of FSWs, respectively. The prevalence of lifetime and past-month injection drug use were 8.6% (95% CI 6.9, 10.7) and 3.7% (95% CI 2.6, 5.2), respectively. Recent non-injection drug use was associated with divorced marital status (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.07, 3.74), temporary marriage (AOR 4.31 [1.79, 10.40]), had > 30 clients per month (AOR 2.76 [1.29, 5.90]), ever alcohol use (AOR 3.03 [1.92, 6.79]), and history of incarceration (AOR 7.65 [3.89, 15.30]). Similarly, lifetime injection drug use was associated with ever alcohol use (AOR 2.74 [1.20-6.20]), ever incarceration (AOR 5.06 [2.48-10.28]), and ever group sex (AOR 2.44 [1.21-4.92]). CONCLUSIONS Non-injection and injection drug use are prevalent among street-based FSWs in Iran. Further prevention programs are needed to address and reduce harms associated with drug use among this vulnerable population in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Roshanfekr
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad 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
| | - Salah Eddin Karimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Meroe Vameghi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Ali
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Ahmadi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Ahounbar
- Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kambiz Mahzari
- Advisor to the Committee on Aids Prevention and Control Affiliated to the Health Ministry, Expert, Prevention and Addiction Affairs Bureau State Welfare Organization (SWO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Roshanpajouh
- Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Noroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa 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
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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SeyedAlinaghi S, Taj L, Mazaheri-Tehrani E, Ahsani-Nasab S, Abedinzadeh N, McFarland W, Mohraz M, Mirzazadeh A. HIV in Iran: onset, responses, and future directions. AIDS 2021; 35:529-542. [PMID: 33252485 PMCID: PMC7924262 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Iran, a country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has been actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past three decades. The unique features of the HIV epidemic in Iran are reflected by the modes of transmission and its recent changes to improve management and prevention programs. In this review, we recount the initial onset and subsequent spread of HIV infection in Iran, beginning with the first case diagnosed to the ongoing responses and most recent achievements in controlling this epidemic. Although in the MENA region, Iran is one of the pioneers in implementing pertinent policies including harm reduction services to decrease HIV incidence, drug injection still continues to be the major risk of infection. In line with other nations, the programs in Iran aim at the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets (UNAIDS 90-90-90 global targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020: by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression) and to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission. In this article, we discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the current HIV programs and offer suggestions to provide a better perspective to track and respond to the HIV epidemic. More generally, our account of the national religious and cultural circumstances as well as obstacles to the approaches chosen can provide insights for decision-makers in other countries and institutions with comparable settings and infrastructures.
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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
| | - Leila Taj
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Mazaheri-Tehrani
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ahsani-Nasab
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Abedinzadeh
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - Minoo Mohraz
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, USA
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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28
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Mahmoodi Z, Solimannejad T, Solimannejad M, Niazi M. Social harms and social class in Iranian youth and adolescents living in slums in the suburbs: a systematic review. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2021; 33:1-7. [PMID: 33581002 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2020-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic and environmental factors can affect the health of the people living in slums in the suburbs. In these areas, the youth and adolescents are the main age groups susceptible to a multitude of harms such as addiction, AIDS, delinquency, aggressive behavior, and prostitution. The present study was conducted to investigate the state of social harms and social class in Iranian youth and adolescents living in slums in the suburbs. METHODS In the present systematic review, the researchers searched for observational and qualitative papers published in Persian or English languages during 2010-2020 timespan in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Irandoc databases, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran. Based on MESH, the keywords of "social class", "social harm", "youth", "adolescent", and "slum" were chosen. Papers were assessed according to the inclusion criteria, and the quality of the papers was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quantitative articles and the COREQ scale for qualitative ones. RESULTS Of 491 articles assessed, 11 (eight cross-sectional and three qualitative papers) were deemed suitable. According to the results, social harms reported were: drug abuse (two studies), female sex workers (two studies), poverty (two studies), AIDS (two studies), social insecurity (two studies), psychedelic substances (one study), alcohol (one study), delinquency (one study), divorce (one study), physical problems (one study), prostitution because of poverty (one study), unemployment (one study), and adolescents' forced labor due to destitution (one study). Moreover, the assessed papers used education (three studies), economic status (three studies), occupation (two studies), income (two studies), place of residence (two studies), social status (two studies), and cultural status (one study) as indicators of the social class in the individual and their parents, and categorized them in three groups of high (one study), middle (three studies), and low classes (seven studies). CONCLUSION The present systematic review investigated, for the first time in Iran, social harms and social class in the youth and adolescents living in slums in the suburbs. The results showed that social harm is high among the youth and adolescents in outskirt slums of Iranian cities. Therefore, any attempt to empower the youth and adolescents living in these parts will have direct effects on the health of the residents of these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Mahmoodi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Tahereh Solimannejad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Niazi
- University of Kashan, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
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29
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Yoosefi lebni J, Irandoost SF, Ziapour A, Mohammadi Gharehghani MA, Ebadi Fard Azar F, Soofizad G, Khosravi B, Solhi M. Experiences and challenges of Prostitute Women in Iran: A phenomenological qualitative study. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05649. [PMID: 33319103 PMCID: PMC7724161 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prostitutes in Iran are faced with many challenges and problems that pose risks to their health. Objective The present study is an attempt to identify and narrate the challenges and experiences of Iranian prostitutes based on a qualitative approach. Methods This qualitative study was conducted with a phenomenological approach in (2018) in Tehran, Iran. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 prostitutes who were selected using a snowball sampling method and analyzed with Colaizzi's method. In order to examine the quality of findings, Guba and Lincoln's measures were used. Results Data analysis results were classified into five main categories and 14 subcategories. The main issues are: The experience of violence, Heath risk, social ostracism, objectifying, and lack of social and legal supporting structures. Conclusion Prostitutes in Iran experience numerous problems at personal and social levels. By providing social, economic, and legal supports for them such as social services (e.g. educations on how to use contraceptives, how to have safe sexual intercourse, and free counseling services for mental support), we can improve their health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Yoosefi lebni
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Fahim Irandoost
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arash Ziapour
- Health Education and Health Promotion, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | | | - Goli Soofizad
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Khosravi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Solhi
- Health Promotion Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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30
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Khezri M, Shokoohi M, Mirzazadeh A, Karamouzian M, Sharifi H, Haghdoost A, Baral SD. Early sex work initiation and its association with condomless sex and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Iran. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:671-679. [PMID: 32538329 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420913431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Early sex work initiation among female sex workers (FSWs) increases their vulnerabilities to high-risk sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We examined the association of early sex work with condomless sex indicators, HIV, and other STIs, including human papillomavirus, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, among FSWs in Iran. We recruited 1347 FSWs from 13 cities in 2015, with 1296 participants (94.2%) reporting information about their age of sex work initiation. Early sex work was defined as the initiation of selling sex before 18 years of age. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported using multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 10.1% of FSWs reported early sex work initiation. FSWs who initiated sex work earlier were more likely to report last-month inconsistent condom use (aOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.82, 6.02) and condomless sex with last client (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.56). There was no statistically significant association between early sex work and HIV (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.43, 4.53) and any other STIs (aOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.48), except for chlamydia (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.04). These findings suggest that FSWs with early sexual debut would benefit from differentiated interventions including screening for STIs and enhanced counseling for condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad 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
| | - Mostafa 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.,Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- 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.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Hamid 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
| | - AliAkbar Haghdoost
- 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
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Key Populations Program, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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31
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Karamouzian M, Nasirian M, Ghaffari Hoseini S, Mirzazadeh A. HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Female Sex Workers in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1923-1937. [PMID: 31701288 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Given the high burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSW) and their potential role in bridging HIV/STIs into the general population, estimating the prevalence of HIV/STIs among FSW is essential for future research and policy developments. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesize the available HIV/STIs data among FSW in Iran. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases from inception through to January 2018. Inclusion criteria were original quantitative studies that measured HIV/STIs prevalence among FSW. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Out of a total of 299 screened studies, 12 were included with total study participants of 4328 FSW. Heterogeneity was present but meta-regression analyses revealed no significant association between HIV prevalence and year of publication, city, and age. Pooled HIV prevalence was 2.23% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82, 3.64). We estimated the prevalence of other STIs as 0.77% (95% CI 0.01, 1.53) for hepatitis B, 6.18% (95% CI 1.32, 11.04) for hepatitis C, 0.33% (95% CI 0.00, 0.66) for syphilis, 1.47% (95% CI 0.22, 2.71) for gonorrhea, 9.80% (95% CI 4.70, 14.91) for chlamydia, and 6.18% (95% CI 4.92, 7.43) for trichomonas vaginalis. Based on the existing evidence, HIV and STIs prevalence among FSW are relatively low in Iran. Strategies for timely diagnosis and treatment of HIV and other STIs among FSW and their sexual and injecting partners are needed to reduce the burden of HIV/STIs among these vulnerable populations in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Karamouzian
- 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
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Nasirian
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, and Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjarib Blvd., Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran.
| | - Shervin Ghaffari Hoseini
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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32
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Wesson PD, McFarland W, Qin CC, Mirzazadeh A. Software Application Profile: The Anchored Multiplier calculator-a Bayesian tool to synthesize population size estimates. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:1744-1749. [PMID: 31106350 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the number of people in hidden populations is needed for public health research, yet available methods produce highly variable and uncertain results. The Anchored Multiplier calculator uses a Bayesian framework to synthesize multiple population size estimates to generate a consensus estimate. Users submit point estimates and lower/upper bounds which are converted to beta probability distributions and combined to form a single posterior probability distribution. The Anchored Multiplier calculator is available as a web browser-based application. The software allows for unlimited empirical population size estimates to be submitted and combined according to Bayes Theorem to form a single estimate. The software returns output as a forest plot (to visually compare data inputs and the final Anchored Multiplier estimate) and a table that displays results as population percentages and counts. The web application 'Anchored Multiplier Calculator' is free software and is available at [http://globalhealthsciences.ucsf.edu/resources/tools] or directly at [http://anchoredmultiplier.ucsf.edu/].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Wesson
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Traineeship in AIDS Prevention Studies Fellowship Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Narouee S, Shati M, Nasehi M, Dadgar F. The size estimation of injection drug users (IDUs) using the network scale-up method (NSUM) in Iranshahr, Iran. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2019; 33:158. [PMID: 32280664 PMCID: PMC7137874 DOI: 10.34171/mjiri.33.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The size estimation of key populations is a necessary part of surveillance systems to access global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this study, the NSU method was used to estimate injection drug users (IDUs). Methods: NSU method was performed on 1000 individuals in Iranshahr province with street-based sampling from 2016 to 2017. A questionnaire comprising items on demographic information and items measuring the network size of participants about IDUs was administered. The estimated size was adjusted for transmission error and barrier effect with PF and VF factors. The relationship between knowing IDUs and demographic variables was assessed using logistic regression. All analyses were performed in SPSS 19 and Microsoft Excel. Results: In this study, 500 men and 500 women were included. The average age (standard deviation) of the participants was 29.6 (7.8) years. IDUs were estimated at 1263 per 100 000 population of Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. The estimated size was 7.5 times more in men than in women (2766 vs 364). Moreover, the highest estimated size belonged to the population of 18- 30-year-olds (1187). Sex and education level had significant relationships with knowing IDUs (p<0.001). Conclusion: To improve preventive programs, the number of outreach teams must be increased to have access to IDUs, educate them, and upgrade the coverage of harm-reduction services. According to cultural considerations and the illegal nature of injection drug use, social mobilization is essential to reduce the stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Narouee
- Department of Health, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Shati
- Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Institute of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Nasehi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Dadgar
- Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
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Nasiri N, Abedi L, Hajebi A, Noroozi A, Khalili M, Chegeni M, Nili S, Taheri-Soodejani M, Noroozi M, Shahesmaeili A, Sharifi H. Population Size Estimation of Tramadol Misusers in Urban Population in Iran: Synthesis of Methods and Results. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2019; 11:173-182. [PMID: 31839915 PMCID: PMC6904981 DOI: 10.22122/ahj.v11i3.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Estimating the population who use drugs is essential for planning, monitoring, and evaluation of substance use prevention and treatment. This study aims to estimate the population who misuse tramadol in urban population in Iran. Methods We used the wisdom of the experts (WOTE) and network scale-up (NSU) methods to calculate the population of tramadol misusers in 10 provincial capitals of Iran, in 2016. The WOTE was conducted among pharmacists in drugstores and the personnel of traditional medicinal herbs stores. They guessed the best estimation of tramadol misusers population in their cities. The NSU method was conducted among the general population and participants were questioned about ever and daily, non-medical use of tramadol during last 12 months in their network. The median of the methods was used to calculate the proportion of the adult population (15-49 years old). Findings The population size of tramadol misusers in studied cities was 83300 [95% uncertainty limits (UL): 47960-256220]. This corresponded to 6.6 per 1000 (95% UL: 3.88-20.30) of the 15-49-year-old population. The projected number of tramadol misusers for all 31 provincial capitals was 118290 (95% UL: 68100-363130840) and 212440 (95% UL: 122310-653410) for all urban areas. NSU also estimated the number of people who misuse tramadol on daily basis. These numbers were 52000 (95% UL: 19940-176570) for studied cities, 73840 (95% UL: 28320-250740) for all 31 provincial capital cities, and 132610 (95% UL: 50860-450310) for all urban areas in Iran. Conclusion This study presents information on high prevalence of tramadol misuse in urban population. We need national control measures and demand reduction programs to control tramadol misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser Nasiri
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Leili Abedi
- 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
| | - Ahmad Hajebi
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors AND Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Noroozi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine AND Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malahat Khalili
- 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
| | - Maryam Chegeni
- 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
| | - Sairan Nili
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Taheri-Soodejani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Noroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- 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
| | - Hamid 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
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Mirzazadeh A, Shokoohi M, Karamouzian M, Ashki H, Khajehkazemi R, Salari A, Abedinzadeh N, Nadji SA, Sharifi H, Kazerooni PA, Mohraz M, Haghdoost AA. Declining trends in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Iran could be attributable to reduced drug injection: a cross-sectional study. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:68-75. [PMID: 31836679 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The HIV trend among female sex workers (FSWs) is understudied. We assessed the prevalence and trend of HIV and five other STIs among FSWs in Iran. METHODS We recruited FSWs (1337 in 2015, 1005 in 2010) from 21 sites in 13 cities in two cross-sectional biobehavioural surveys. Eligible FSWs were women aged ≥18 years who reported selling sex to more than one male client in the past 12 months. Consenting FSWs were interviewed using a behavioural questionnaire and tested for HIV and five other STIs. We considered study sites as clusters in the analysis and two-sided Fisher's exact test to compare the HIV prevalence between the two survey rounds. RESULTS HIV prevalence was 2.1% in 2015 (vs 4.0% in 2010, p=0.007). Lifetime drug injection was reported by 6.1% of participants in 2015 (vs 14.6% in 2010, p=0.003). In 2015, among FSWs with history of lifetime drug injection, HIV prevalence was 8.6% (vs 9.8% in 2010, p=0.425). The prevalence of other STIs in 2015 was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2 to 1.0) for syphilis, 1.3% (95% CI 0.8 to 2.1) for gonorrhoea, 6.0% (95% CI 4.8 to 7.4) for chlamydia, 11.9% (95% CI 8.5 to 16.5) for trichomoniasis and 41.8% (95% CI 39.2 to 44.5) for human papillomavirus. CONCLUSIONS HIV prevalence among FSWs in Iran decreased, but remains considerably high. The decrease in HIV prevalence compared with 2010 might be explained by a decrease in drug injection. Other STIs are also high in this population. Harm reduction programmes need to be continued and scaled up among this underserved population in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA .,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
| | - Mostafa 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.,Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- 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.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Haleh Ashki
- Open Medicine Institute, Mountain View, California
| | - Razieh Khajehkazemi
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Apameh Salari
- 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
| | - Negin Abedinzadeh
- Iranian Research Centre for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Nadji
- Virology Research Center, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid 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
| | - Parvin Afsar Kazerooni
- HIV/AIDS Control Office, Center for Communicable Disease, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Mohraz
- Iranian Research Centre for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Haghdoost
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Jorjoran Shushtari Z, Hosseini SA, Sajjadi H, Salimi Y, Shahesmaeili A, Snijders TA. HIV risk perception and sexual behaviors among female sex workers in Tehran, Iran. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2019; 33:101. [PMID: 31934561 PMCID: PMC6946931 DOI: 10.34171/mjiri.33.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An adequate perception of the degree to which one is at risk of having or contracting HIV is necessary for behavioural change and the adoption of safe behaviours. There are limited data regarding HIV risk perceptions among female sex workers in Iran. This study aimed to determine the HIV risk perception status and its association with sexual behaviours among female sex workers in Tehran. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 170 female sex workers in Tehran. Participants were recruited using a combination of snowball, purposeful, and convenience sampling methods. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify adjusted associations between background factors, sexual behaviours, and HIV risk perception. The analysis was conducted by the "logistf" package in the R statistical system. P-value less than .05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, 122 (77%) reported high HIV risk perception. Most female sex workers with high HIV risk perception reported that they did not consistently use condoms (n=120, 98%. Female sex workers with a higher frequency of sex work (AOR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.31), inconsistent condom use (AOR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.66), a history of HIV testing (AOR=5.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 26.0), and low HIV knowledge (AOR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95, 0.996) were more likely to report high HIV risk perception. Conclusion: Most female sex workers with risky sexual behaviours had a high HIV risk perception. Effective educational programs are suggested to enable female sex workers to correctly assess their own HIV risk and change risk behaviors based on self-assessment of actual risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Hosseini
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homeira Sajjadi
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Salimi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- 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
| | - Tom A.B. Snijders
- Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, 9712 TG Groningen, Netherlands
- Nuffield College, University of Oxford, OX1 1NF Oxford, United Kingdom
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Chemaitelly H, Weiss HA, Calvert C, Harfouche M, Abu-Raddad LJ. HIV epidemiology among female sex workers and their clients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions. BMC Med 2019; 17:119. [PMID: 31230594 PMCID: PMC6589882 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV epidemiology among female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is poorly understood. We addressed this gap through a comprehensive epidemiological assessment. METHODS A systematic review of population size estimation and HIV prevalence studies was conducted and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) assessments were conducted for all included studies using various quality domains, as informed by Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The pooled mean HIV prevalence was estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. Sources of heterogeneity and temporal trends were identified through meta-regressions. RESULTS We identified 270 size estimation studies in FSWs and 42 in clients, and 485 HIV prevalence studies in 287,719 FSWs and 69 in 29,531 clients/proxy populations. Most studies had low ROB in multiple quality domains. The median proportion of reproductive-age women reporting current/recent sex work was 0.6% (range = 0.2-2.4%) and of men reporting currently/recently buying sex was 5.7% (range = 0.3-13.8%). HIV prevalence ranged from 0 to 70% in FSWs (median = 0.1%) and 0-34.6% in clients (median = 0.4%). The regional pooled mean HIV prevalence was 1.4% (95% CI = 1.1-1.8%) in FSWs and 0.4% (95% CI = 0.1-0.7%) in clients. Country-specific pooled prevalence was < 1% in most countries, 1-5% in North Africa and Somalia, 17.3% in South Sudan, and 17.9% in Djibouti. Meta-regressions identified strong subregional variations in prevalence. Compared to Eastern MENA, the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranged from 0.2 (95% CI = 0.1-0.4) in the Fertile Crescent to 45.4 (95% CI = 24.7-83.7) in the Horn of Africa. There was strong evidence for increasing prevalence post-2003; the odds increased by 15% per year (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.21). There was also a large variability in sexual and injecting risk behaviors among FSWs within and across countries. Levels of HIV testing among FSWs were generally low. The median fraction of FSWs that tested for HIV in the past 12 months was 12.1% (range = 0.9-38.0%). CONCLUSIONS HIV epidemics among FSWs are emerging in MENA, and some have reached stable endemic levels, although still some countries have limited epidemic dynamics. The epidemic has been growing for over a decade, with strong regionalization and heterogeneity. HIV testing levels were far below the service coverage target of "UNAIDS 2016-2021 Strategy."
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Helen A Weiss
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clara Calvert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Manale Harfouche
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Weikum D, Kelly-Hanku A, Hou P, Kupul M, Amos-Kuma A, Badman SG, Dala N, Coy KC, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ, Hakim AJ. Kuantim mi tu ("Count me too"): Using Multiple Methods to Estimate the Number of Female Sex Workers, Men Who Have Sex With Men, and Transgender Women in Papua New Guinea in 2016 and 2017. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e11285. [PMID: 30896432 PMCID: PMC6447989 DOI: 10.2196/11285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women (TGW) are at high risk of acquiring HIV in many settings, such as Papua New Guinea (PNG). An understanding of the approximate size of these populations can inform resource allocation for HIV services for FSW, MSM, and TGW. Objective An objective of this multi-site survey was to conduct updated population size estimations (PSE) of FSW and MSM/TGW. Methods Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) biobehavioral surveys of FSW and MSM/TGW were conducted in 3 major cities—(1) Port Moresby, (2) Lae, and (3) Mount Hagen—between June 2016 and December 2017. Eligibility criteria for FSW included: (1) ≥12 years of age, (2) born female, (3) could speak English or Tok Pisin (PNG Pidgin), and (4) had sold or exchanged sex with a man in the past six months. Eligibility for MSM/TGW included: (1) ≥12 years of age, (2) born male, (3) could speak English, or Tok Pisin, and (4) had engaged in oral or anal sex with another person born male in the past six months. PSE methods included unique object multiplier, service multiplier, and successive sampling-population size estimation (SS-PSE) using imputed visibility. Weighted data analyses were conducted using RDS-Analyst and Microsoft Excel. Results Sample sizes for FSW and MSM/TGW in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mount Hagen included: (1) 673 and 400, (2) 709 and 352, and (3) 709 and 111 respectively. Keychains were used for the unique object multiplier method and were distributed 1 week before the start of each RDS survey. HIV service testing data were only available in Port Moresby and Mount Hagen and SS-PSE estimates were calculated for all cities. Due to limited service provider data and uncertain prior size estimation knowledge, unique object multiplier weighted estimations were chosen for estimates. In Port Moresby, we estimate that there are 16,053 (95% CI 8232-23,874) FSW and 7487 (95% CI 3975-11,000) MSM/TGW, approximately 9.5% and 3.8% of the female and male populations respectively. In Lae, we estimate that there are 6105 (95% CI 4459-7752) FSW and 4669 (95% CI 3068-6271) MSM/TGW, approximately 14.4% and 10.1% of the female and male populations respectively. In Mount Hagen, we estimate that there are 2646 (95% CI 1655-3638) FSW and 1095 (95% CI 913-1151) MSM/TGW using service multiplier and successive sampling, respectively. This is approximately 17.1% and 6.3% of the female and male populations respectively. Conclusions As the HIV epidemic in PNG rapidly evolves among key populations, PSE should be repeated to produce current estimates for timely comparison and future trend analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Weikum
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Parker Hou
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Martha Kupul
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angelyne Amos-Kuma
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Nick Dala
- Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Kelsey C Coy
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Avi J Hakim
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Drug use patterns and associated factors among female sex workers in Iran. Addict Behav 2019; 90:40-47. [PMID: 30355536 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the prevalence of drug and poly-drug use and their associated factors among female sex workers (FSW) in Iran. METHODS We analyzed data from a bio-behavioral surveillance survey of 1347 FSW across 13 major cities in Iran in 2015. Two outcome measures were defined: i) past-month "any drug use", a binary variable defined as none or any; and ii) a three-category past-month "poly-drug use" variable defined as none, only one drug, and more than one drug. Correlates of these two study outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS We found that 24.9% (95% CI: 16.1, 36.4) and 13.5% (95% CI: 8.1, 21.5) of FSW reported past-month any drug use and poly-drug use, respectively. Longer sex work career (AOR 2.44 [95% CI: 1.28, 4.63]), unstable housing (AOR 2.56 [1.17, 5.64]), past-year experience of sexual violence (AOR 1.61 [1.15, 2.27]), and incarceration (AOR 2.02 [1.23, 3.32]) were positively associated with any drug use. Similarly, FSW who were unstably housed (AOR 3.4 [1.06, 10.95]), reported past-year experience of sexual violence (AOR 2.06 [95% CI: 1.24, 3.41]) and incarceration (AOR 2.82 [1.60, 4.97]) were positively associated with past-month poly-drug use. CONCLUSION Drug use is frequent among Iranian FSW, particularly among those who experienced sexual violence, unstable housing or incarceration. Programs to reduce harms associated with drug and poly-drug use should target FSW as a priority population.
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Kalateh Sadati A, Zarei N, Argasi H, Heydari ST. Experience of violence among street prostitutes: a qualitative study in Shiraz, Iran. J Inj Violence Res 2019; 11:21-28. [PMID: 30635997 PMCID: PMC6420918 DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v11i1.865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Female Sex workers (FSWs) are a marginalized group. Although some studies have shown various types of violence against sex workers, it is a subject which needs more in-depth knowledge. Methods: This is a conventional content study conducted on 18 street sex workers in Shiraz, Iran. Results: The present study observed that sex workers had extensive experience in five forms of violence: physical, barbaric, psychological, sexual, deception and robbery. Moreover, violence was deep-rooted in their previous experiences prior to becoming a prostitute, leading to the formation of yet another type of violence, called hidden slavery with male or female pimps. Conclusions: To improve the general health of this group, it is recommended that they be supported by social institutions and be provided with psychological consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nooshin Zarei
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Haghdoost A, Ahmadi Gohari M, Mirzazadeh A, Zolala F, Baneshi MR. A review of methods to estimate the visibility factor for bias correction in network scale-up studies. Epidemiol Health 2018; 40:e2018041. [PMID: 30121969 PMCID: PMC6280069 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2018041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Network scale-up is an indirect size estimation method, in which participants are questioned on sensitive behaviors of their social network members. Therefore, the visibility of the behavior affects the replies and estimates. Many attempts to estimate visibility have been made. The aims of this study were to review the main methods used to address visibility and to provide a summary of reported visibility factors (VFs) across populations. We systematically searched relevant databases and Google. In total, 15 studies and reports that calculated VFs were found. VF calculation studies have been applied in 9 countries, mostly in East Asia and Eastern Europe. The methods applied were expert opinion, comparison of NSU with another method, the game of contacts, social respect, and the coming-out rate. The VF has been calculated for heavy drug users, people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, male who have sex with male (MSM), alcohol and methamphetamine users, and those who have experienced extra-/pre-marital sex and abortion. The VF varied from 1.4% in Japan to 52.0% in China for MSM; from 34.0% in Ukraine to 111.0% in China for FSWs; and from 12.0% among Iranian students to 57.0% in Ukraine for PWID. Our review revealed that VF estimates were heterogeneous, and were not available for most settings, in particular the Middle East and North Africa region, except Iran. More concrete methodologies to estimate the VF are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Haghdoost
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Milad Ahmadi Gohari
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Farzaneh Zolala
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Baneshi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Shahesmaeili A, Karamouzian M, Shokoohi M, Kamali K, Fahimfar N, Nadji SA, Sharifi H, Haghdoost AA, Mirzazadeh A. Symptom-Based Versus Laboratory-Based Diagnosis of Five Sexually Transmitted Infections in Female Sex Workers in Iran. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:19-25. [PMID: 29744768 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Among 1337 Iranian adult female sex workers in 2015, we assessed the diagnostic value of 4 self-reported sexually transmitted infection (STIs) symptoms for detecting laboratory-confirmed gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis. While 37.7% reported vaginal discharge (VD), 25.9% reported pain or burning (P/B), 3.0% reported genital ulcers (GU), and 1.4% reported genital warts (GW), the prevalence of laboratory-confirmed syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HPV was 0.4, 1.3, 6.0, 11.9, and 41.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of VD was 40.3% for detecting tricomoniasis, 37.5% for chlamydia, and 37.5% for gonorrhea. The sensitivity of P/B ranged from 12.5% for gonorrhea to 25.2% for trichomoniasis. The sensitivity of GU and GW was very low for 5 STIs. The sensitivity of all symptoms combined was also lower than 50%. Among asymptomatic participants, 41.2% tested positive for HPV, 11.8% for trichomoniasis, and less than 6.6% for other STIs. Symptom-based case management and surveillance of STIs can lead to misclassification of a large proportion of cases.
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Abstract
We estimated the prevalence of recent HIV testing (i.e., having an HIV test during the last 12 months and knew the results) among 1295 HIV-negative Iranian female sex workers (FSW) in 2015. Overall, 70.4% (95% confidence intervals: 59.6, 79.3) of the participants reported a recent HIV testing. Concerns about their HIV status (83.2%) was reported as the most common reason for HIV testing. Incarceration history, having >5 paying partners, having >1 non-paying partner, receiving harm reduction services, utilizing healthcare services, and knowing an HIV testing site were significantly associated with recent HIV testing. In contrast, outreach participants, having one non-paying sexual partner, and self-reported inconsistent condom use reduced the likelihood of recent HIV testing. HIV testing uptake showed a ~2.5 times increase among FSW since 2010. While these findings are promising and show improvement over a short period, HIV testing programs should be expanded particularly through mobile and outreach efforts.
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