Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs: a community consultation in Iran.

摘要: BACKGROUND The lack of robust estimates HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up PWID studies may require formative assessment barriers are faced with participation retention factors they think facilitate their engagement such Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted consultation southeast to recognize those motivators. METHODS targeted sampling through snowball referrals, recruited (aged≥18, injected last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, outreach efforts participate four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors self-reported HCV/HIV testing diagnosis history were obtained. Then, semi-structured FGD guide was applied explore motivators study participants. All sessions recorded transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. content analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. RESULTS In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated the study. median age participants 35 (IQR 31-40), majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested HCV whereas larger proportion (63.4%) HIV. While willing studies, breach confidentiality, fear positive test results, perceived required commitment, marginalization as Monetary incentive, thought better life, protection police interventions trust between health workers addressed PWID. CONCLUSIONS Strategies enhance data security reduce stigma associated along involving peer research, providing pre post-test counselling education addressing needs more marginalized groups potentially integrated healthcare programs housing support few approaches that help address strengthen successful this population.