Mehran Zarghami - Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute AND Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Maedeh Bagheri - PhD Candidate, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Hamed Bahari - Researcher, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Khatereh Tufani - Psychiatrist, Kian Drug Rehabilitation and Detoxification Center, Mashhad, Iran
Alireza Mahjoub - PhD Candidate, Student Research Center, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reza Daneshmand - Psychiatrist, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Alammehrjerdi - Researcher, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Raheleh Mohammadian - Researcher, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Omid Massah - PhD Candidate, Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Background: Iranian female methadone patients are at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to involvement in high-risk sexual behaviours and/or needle sharing. The present study aimed to explore the perceived educational needs related to HIV among a group of Iranian female methadone patients. Methods:The research design was qualitative and the participants were sampled purposively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ۳۴ women and ۱۹ clinicians in Sari, Mashhad, and Tehran, Iran. Then, qualitative content analysis was implemented. Findings: The emergence of three major themes and six minor themes was revealed. Women expressed a need to increase their knowledge including women-specific pathophysiology and disease progression and the modes of the virus transmission and prevention. Women also expressed a need to enhance their knowledge and skills related to the physical management of the virus including self-care and reproductive health. Other themes included perceived psychosocial needs including removing stigma and access to resources in the community. Conclusion: Women reported a wide range of educational needs from basic knowledge to advanced skills. The findings can be used in designing women-specific educational programs related to HIV in Iran. Larger studies are suggested with gender-mixed samples in the Persian context

drugs, Harm reduction, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Iran, treatment, Women