epidemiology of hiv/aids in the east azerbaijan province, northwest of iran

Background: this study was performed in response to the rapid propagation of hiv/aids across iran and its status in this region. accordingly, an evidence-based program is required to combat this disease. objectives: the present study estimated the prevalence of hiv/aids in east azerbaijan (population: 3,724,000). materials and methods: we created a database of all positive cases from 1987 to 2012. we also analyzed and described the epidemiological status of hiv/aids during a 25-year period by using spss. results: in east azerbaijan, 371 hiv/aids cases have been reported, i.e. 1 case per 10,000 population. the vast majority of reported cases (91%, n = 338) were men, whereas only 9% (n = 33) were women. the mean age of patients was 30.8 ± 12.3 years. unsafe drug injection (59%, n = 219) and sexual interaction (13%, n = 48) were the two major modes of hiv transmission. in addition, 7% (n = 25) of patients have been diagnosed with hiv, hepatitis b virus, and hepatitis c virus simultaneously. moreover, 60% (n = 205) of men were infected via drug injection, while 82% (n = 27) of women were infected via unprotected sexual interaction (p < 0.001). conclusions: the results indicate a rapid increase in the number of hiv/aids cases in east azerbaijan, necessitating immediate attention and strategies to combat the rapid spread of the disease. development of provincial and national hiv/aids strategies demands more accurate and comprehensive hiv/aids surveillance.