ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9177-9117
Current Organisation
Bennett University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/LIV.12464
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/JCLA.22440
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1002/JGM.3001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2019.09.018
Abstract: Stimulants substances use, particularly meth hetamine use, is increasing globally, including in Iran. This study assessed the drug use and risk behaviour profile, and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among a large population using meth hetamine as their primary drug in Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in eight provinces of Iran. In iduals using meth hetamine for ≥3 months during the past three years, with no life-time history of injecting opioid drugs were enrolled. Drug use and risk behaviour data were collected through interviews. Blood s les were tested for HIV antibodies (HIV Ab), HCV antibodies (HCV Ab), and HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag). Among 567 participated, 84% were men and mean age was 36 years. Smoking with pipe was the most common method of meth hetamine use (53%), while 13% had a history of injecting meth hetamine, among whom 30% shared needles or syringes. Among those having sex during intoxication phase (n = 270), 48% never used condom. The prevalence of HIV Ab, HCV Ab and HBs Ag was 6.7% (95%CI: 4.7-9.1), 19.4% (95%CI: 16.2-22.9) and 1.4% (95%CI: 0.6-2.7), respectively. Age ≥ 30 years (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.18-3.76), lower education (high school vs. tertiary education, aOR: 13.95, 95%CI: 1.90-102.60), and injecting meth hetamine (aOR: 1.92, 95%CI 1.10-3.35) were significantly associated with HCV exposure. No factor was found associated with HIV infection. Among those reporting no potential injecting or sexual risk factors, 19.8% and 6.8% have HCV Ab positive and HIV Ab positive, respectively. High prevalence of injecting and sexual risk behaviours, HIV infection and HCV exposure were found among in iduals using meth hetamine as their primary drug, demonstrating them as an emerging population at risk of HIV and HCV in Iran. Targeted screening and harm reduction programs for this population are required.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-01-2014
DOI: 10.1111/APT.12589
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-10-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12954-020-00431-X
Abstract: People with criminal justice involvement contribute remarkably to the rising hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden however, the continuum of care is a major barrier to prison-based programs. We aimed to evaluate a comprehensive HCV care model in an Iranian provincial prison. Between 2017–2018, in the Karaj Central Prison, newly admitted male inmates received HCV antibody testing and venipuncture for RNA testing (antibody-positive only). Participants with positive RNA underwent direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir). Sustained virological response was evaluated at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Overall, from 3485 participants, 182 (5.2%) and 117 (3.4%) tested positive for HCV antibody and RNA, respectively. Among 116 patients who were eligible for treatment, 24% ( n = 28) were released before treatment and 72% ( n = 83) initiated DAA therapy, of whom 81% ( n = 67/83) completed treatment in prison, and the rest were released. Of total released patients, 68% ( n = 30/44) were linked to care in community, and 70% ( n = 21/30) completed treatment, including 60% ( n = 12/20) and 90% ( n = 9/10) among those who were released before and during treatment, respectively. The overall HCV treatment uptake and completion were 89% ( n = 103/116) and 85% ( n = 88/103), respectively. From people who completed treatment, 43% ( n = 38/88) attended for response assessment and all were cured (SVR12 = 100%). Integrated HCV care models are highly effective and can be significantly strengthened by post-release interventions. The close collaboration of community and prison healthcare systems is crucial to promote high levels of treatment adherence. Future studies should investigate the predictors of engagement with HCV care following release.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2015
DOI: 10.1038/NG.3359
No related grants have been discovered for Heidar Sharafi.