فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Despite the availability of an effective vaccine for more than three decades, HBV (hepatitis B virus) continues to infect many people worldwide, particularly in developing countries of Asia. In older people at higher risk of infection, high prevalence of HBV may exist, particularly among intravenous drug users (IDUs). This group is among groups at higher risk of infection as they share needles for drug injection. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBsAg (hepatitis B antigen) among intravenous drug users in drop-in-centers (DICs) of Tehran in 2013. Results: HBsAg was detected in 4 of 129 subjects, giving an overall prevalence of 3.1%. No significant correlation was observed between HBsAg positivity and socio-demographic and associated risk factors. Conclusions: Undoubtedly, IDUs are one of the most high-risk groups exposed to infection; so the priority of preventive and educational programs would be beneficial for this high-risk group. Screening IDUs at the national level and statistical analysis for HBV in the larger sample size is recommended.