Characteristics of an Online HIV Education Program for Iranian Female Methadone Patients: The First Study

Objectives:  Female methadone patients need specific education on HIV. However, few studies have been conducted on the essential characteristics of designing an online HIV education program for this population. Therefore, the current qualitative study aimed at addressing this research gap. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 female patients and 19 methadone treatment providers in 11 methadone treatment centres in Tehran, Mashhad and Sari, Iran. Both focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted and a narrative analysis approach was implemented. The NVivo 9 software was used for data analysis. Results: The qualitative analyses of the data revealed three major themes and six minor themes as follows: a) information for focused action (knowing the epidemic response) using the effective visual presentation and audio presentation; b) interventions for impact evaluation (covering the needed services) by short-term documentary movies and animations, and c) program delivery for understanding (covering the population in need of services) using problem-solving and taking quizzes.  Discussions: Audio and visual components, as well as the role of documentary movies and animations, should be considered in HIV education. The active role of women in learning using problem-solving and taking quizzes was highlighted. The findings of this study can be used in designing women-specific HIV education programs in Iran. Randomized controlled trials are suggested to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs.