title: Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV/AIDS among Iranian prisoners in Mazandaran province in the south-coast area of the Caspian Sea.
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.
authors.affiliation: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Majdi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khani
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Azadmarzabadi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Montazeri
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hallajian
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Babamahmodi
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kariminasab
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners