SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS SYMPTOMS AMONG PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS IN IRAN.

Background and Aim : People who inject drugs (PWID) who are sexually active are at risk for other sexually transmitted infections (STI) beside HIV. Often, STI diagnosis and management in this group is not great putting them and their partners at risk. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of STI symptoms in sexually active PWID in Iran. Methods : In a cross-sectional study, we recruited 2400 adult PWID (18 year or older who self-rereported drug injection in last 12 months) from 10 major cities in Iran in 2013. After consenting, trained interviewers collected self-reported data on demographics, injection and sexual behaviors, STI symptoms (i.e., genital ulcers, or abnormal discharge in past 12 months), and treatment. For this analysis, we only included PWID who reported any sexual activity in past year. Data were analyzed using Stata 14.Results : The mean (SD) age of participants was 36.9 (8.7) years. Majority reported heroin injection as their main drug (831, 88.2%). Out of 1074, (67.5%) were sexually active. Only 258 (43.1%) used condom during sex with their unpaid partners (including spouse) in last sex consistently. Condom use in last sex with paid partners was reported by 244 (53.3%). Approximately 80% of PWID had heard about STI. About 181(9.3%) (3 out of 181 were female) of the respondents reported to have experienced Genital ulcer in the past year, Also14 (7.4%) of men report abnormal discharge in the last 12 months. 111(54.3%) of all PWIDs with symptoms sought treatment. Conclusion : Although we have demonstrated a low prevalence of STIs symptoms, PWID may have high-risk sexual behaviors and are therefore vulnerable to sexually transmitted or blood-borne infections. Given that only less than half of PWID used a condom regardless of their partner type, the risk of STI transmission in this population is remarkable.

Keywords:

Sexually transmitted infection , People who inject drugs , Iran.