Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among male injection drug users in detention in Tehran, Iran.

OBJECTIVE To measure HIV prevalence and characterize associated risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDU) upon detention in Tehran, Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional survey included 459 male IDU arrested by police during a police sweep in Tehran in 2006. A questionnaire was completed, and blood was collected for HIV testing. RESULTS Overall HIV prevalence was 24.4% (95% confidence interval 20.5-28.6). Factors independently associated with HIV infection included history of using an opioid in jail (adjusted odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.26-3.53) and older age (adjusted odds ratio 2.79 for 25-34, 3.01 for 35-44, 4.62 for > or = 45 yr). CONCLUSIONS This study supports that incarceration is contributing to the increased spread of HIV. Harm reduction programs should be urgently expanded, particularly among incarcerated IDU.