ABSTRACT
Narcotic addiction as a serious health problem in communities has economical and social effects as well as health and hygienic complications. Viral infection such as B and C hepatitis, and HIV may be transmitted by addicted persons. Identification and education of these patients is very important and this survey was carried out for determination of the prevalence of these infections in addicted persons. This descriptive study was conducted on 180 self referred addicted persons who were selected through convenience non-probably sampling out patient clinic in Rafsanjan. After taking consent of patients, serum samples were checked for HIV, B and C hepatitis by ELISA and Western blot tests. For data analysis, chi square and fisher tests were used. The results of this study suggest that the mean of subject's age was 29.3 +/- 5.3 years [%95.5 male and 4.5%female],%17.21 IV drug abusers. The rate of Viral infection was%11.7 [21 subjects] including 11 persons who were IV drug abusers this deference was statistically significant [p<0.0001], HIV test was positive in 3 persons [%1/66] and all of them were IV drug abusers. HCV in 13 persons was positive that 5 persons were IV drug abusers. HBV markers were detected in 5 persons [2.7%] including 3 IV drug abusers. The findings of this study revealed that there was a high rate of viral infection in addicted persons especially in IV drug abusers. This suggests the need for more attention and education for preventing the occurrence of these problems