Transition to injecting drug use in Iran: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence.

摘要: Abstract Background Injection drug use, a behavior associated with significant adverse health effects, has been increasing over the past decade in Iran. This study aims to systematically review epidemiological and qualitative evidence on factors that facilitate or protect transition injection use Methods We conducted electronic searches five international (Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO), one regional (IMEMR) three Iranian (Iranmedex, Iranpsych, IranDoc) databases, as well contacting experts field. Two trained researchers screened documents identify relevant studies independently dual-extracted data following pre-specified protocol. applied principles thematic analysis for random effect meta-analysis model age first injection. Results A total 38 from 31 met eligibility criteria, which more than 50% were implemented 2006 2008. The weighted mean was 25.8 (95% Confidence Interval: 25.3–26.2). Between 1998 2011, relatively stable. Overall, users had used drugs 6–7 years before they started use. Heroin majority cases. identified influencing initiation at various levels, including: (1) individual (pleasure-seeking behavior, curiosity development dependency commonly reported), (2) social environmental (role peer economic efficiency injections wide availability injectable form market). Conclusion Harm reduction policies Iran have almost exclusively focused injectors However, given extent non-injection epidemic, this can provide insight points interventions prevention