Author/Authors :
Majdi, M.R. mashhad university of medical sciences, ايران , Khani, H. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences - Iranian Applied Research Centre for Public Health and Sustainable Development, ايران , Azadmarzabadi, E. baqiyatallah university of medical sciences - Behavioural Sciences Research Centre, ايران , Montazeri, A. Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research - Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ايران , Hallajian, E. islamic azad university, ايران , Babamahmodi, F. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Infectious Diseases, ايران , Kariminasab, M.H. mazandaran university of medical sciences - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, ايران
Abstract :
HIV infection in the Islamic Republic of Iran is concentrated primarily among intravenous drug users. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV/AIDS prevention of a random sample of prisoners in 5 prisons in Mazandaran province. Of 1760 individuals aged 18–65 years old completing the questionnaire, the mean age was 30.1 (SD 8.1) years (range 18 to 59 years); 95.8% were male. Respondents had an average to fairly good knowledge about HIV/AIDS, with the percentages answering correctly ranging from 11.9% to 85.9%. However many had the misconception that “HIV/AIDS does not influence Iran” and “I will not be infected with HIV/AIDS under any conditions” and 63.6% agreed that lack of religious and moral commitment could spread AIDS infection. HIV/AIDS prevention efforts are needed for prisoners in Mazandaran province.
