investigation of relative risk factors of hbcab positivity among intravenous drug users in tehran, 2013

backgroung: hbv still continues to infect many people worldwide despite the availability of an effective vaccine for more than three decades. high prevalence of hbv may exist in high risk groups, particularly among intravenous drug users (idus). this group is among groups with higher risk of infection due to their hazardous behaviors such as sharing needle for drug injection. objectives: this cross sectional study included 229 intravenous drug users in tehran, in 2013 to investigate history of hbv infection among them.   methods and materials: socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors were recorded during sample collection. their serum samples were tested for the presence of total hbcab by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). results: hbcab was detected in 64 of 229 participants, giving an overall prevalence of 28%. history of imprisonment, injecting drugs and age has significant correlation with hbcab positivity. conclusion: expansion of new preventive strategies through national health system could be beneficial for decreasing the risk of acquiring hbv among high risk groups such as idus.