Predictors of time to relapse in amphetamine-type substance users in the matrix treatment program in Iran : a Cox proportional hazard model application

Background: The aim of this study was to determine which predictors influence the risk of relapse among a cohort of amphetamine-type substance (ATS) users in Iran. Methods: A Cox proportional hazards model was conducted to determine factors associated with the relapse time in the Matrix treatment program provided by the Iranian National Center of Addiction Studies (INCAS) between March 2010 and October 2011. Results: Participating in more treatment sessions was associated with a lower probability of relapse. On the other hand, patients with less family support, longer dependence on ATS, and those with an experience of casual sex and a history of criminal offenses were more likely to relapse. Conclusion: This study broadens our understanding of factors influencing the risk of relapse in ATS use among an Iranian sample. The findings can guide practitioners during the treatment program

HIV, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus co-infections among injecting drug users in Tehran, Iran

SummaryObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and co-infections among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tehran.MethodsA sample of 899 IDUs (861 male and 38 female) was recruited in Tehran from treatment and harm reduction facilities and from drug user hangouts in public areas in equal proportions. ELISA testing for HIV, HCV antibody (HCV-Ab), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) was carried out. Positive HIV tests were rechecked by Western blot.ResultsThe prevalence of HIV was 10.7%, HCV infection was 34.5%, and past or current HBV infection was 50.7%. Infection with all three viruses was seen in 6.5% (95% confidence interval 4.9–8.2) of participants. HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, and HBV/HCV co-infections were seen in 8.7%, 7.8%, and 21.0% of participants, respectively. The rate of HCV infection among HIV-positive cases was significantly higher than in HIV-negative IDUs (80.6% vs. 28.7%, p<0.0001). There was no significant association between these infections and co-infections with gender and source of sampling.ConclusionIn general, co-infection with these three blood-borne viruses is common among IDUs. Since co-infection increases the morbidity and mortality of all infections, the observed level of co-infection in the high number of IDUs in Iran necessitates a serious comprehensive response

The prevalence of smoking among Iranian middle school students, a systematic review

"n&nbsp;Objectives: "n "nThe mean age of cigarette smoking has decreased along with an increase in its prevalence, in developing countries. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the prevalence of lifetime, current and daily smoking among middle school students in Iran . "nMethods: Various search methods have been used in this study including searching different international databanks such as Pubmed, ISI web of Science, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Embase, as well as domestic databanks including IranPsych and IranMedex. All original studies and researches in Persian or English, which had described any kind of use including lifetime, current and daily use of cigarette, hookah, and pipe among middle school students, were included in the study with no restriction on date of publication, and were qualitatively assessed. Subsequent to data extraction, heterogeneity test was carried out on indicators for which more than two studies were found, and meta-analysis was done using random effects model . "nResults: The combined prevalence of lifetime, current and daily cigarette smoking were calculated as 14.2% (95% CI: 6.6-21.7), 2.7% (95% CI: 0.5- 5.9) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6-2.8), respectively. The combined prevalence of "current tobacco use of all kinds" was 15% (95% CI: 10.4-19.5), as well. "nConclusions: The prevalence of smoking in this age range is lower in Iran compared to other countries. However, a conclusion cannot be made about the changes in the prevalence of smoking in recent years. Moreover, studies carried out to the present have several qualitative limitations, which points to the necessity of high quality repeated survey