Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor of Healthcare Services Management Department of Public Health, School of Health Abadan University of Medical Sciences
2
Student Research Committee, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
3
Associate Professor of Healthcare Services Management Department of Public Health, School of Health Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
4
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Research Center for Environmental Contaminants, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
Abstract
Introductoin: Accordingly, the present study aimed to accurately investigate the epidemiological situation of HIV/AIDS in southwestern Khuzestan province during the years 2011 to 2023.
Material & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out using a census approach, covering all registered cases of individuals with HIV/AIDS in southwestern Khuzestan province during the years 2011 to 2024. Data were extracted from medical records available in disease registration centers and analyzed using statistical software.
Result: The results of the study indicated that during the specified period, a significant number of people with HIV/AIDS were identified in southwestern Khuzestan. Most cases were among men, aged 30 to 39, people without higher education, and informal workers. The most common route of transmission of the virus was reported to be unprotected sexual contact (more than 50%), followed by injection drug use with shared syringes. Also, a significant portion of the infected had a history of high-risk sexual behavior, not using condoms, and having sex with people other than their spouses.
Conclusion: during the study period, the mortality rate of patients showed a relative decrease, which was probably due to better access to antiviral treatment. However, some factors such as treatment discontinuation, economic problems, social stigma, and lack of continuous treatment follow-up are still considered major obstacles in controlling this disease.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)