[Knowledge and attitude concerning HIV/AIDS among Iranian population: a systematic review and meta- analysis]

ABSTRACT

The number of people with HIV/AIDS in Iran is increasing. Populations' knowledge and awareness are crucial steps to prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS in Iranian population. Reviewing related titles in national and international databanks resulted in 62 eligible studies published between 1998 and 2008. To explore the source[s] of heterogeneity, meta-regression model was used. Due to the methodological diversity of included studies [e.g. their sampling or data collection methods] pooled estimation of the results were hard to be applied. The mean for knowledge score among 24 eligible studies [including 24,011 individuals] varied between 14.7 and 84.0 out of 100. Among those 16 eligible studies [including 11,104 individuals], the reported mean for attitude varied between 32.6 and 78.4 out of 100. In overall, it seems that the knowledge and attitude in Iranian population still need to be improved; however, the results from our systematic review showed a considerable heterogeneity among the results that can be originated from the diversity of target populations and/or their methodology of included studies. Planning for further targeted programs and modifying public education for more effective schemes are necessary to be emphasized, as there was not a significant change in the level of knowledge or attitude based on the included studies