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Abstract
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Background: As the most populated Persian Gulf country, in Iran, engagement with drug injection and unsafe sex are the main
routes of HIV transmission among some drug-dependent women.
Objectives: The current study explored the barriers that a group of drug-dependent women reported in accessing and adhering to
HIV services in drug use treatment.
Patients and Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 47 Persian women at five outpatient drug treatment centers
between January and December 2011. Five focus group interviews were conducted with ten key informants (KI). The interviews made
use of a semi-structured interview guide, which facilitated discussion regarding the barriers. The interview transcripts were analyzed thematically using Atlas-ti software.
Results: The interview accounts highlighted a number of barriers, including stigmatization, a considerable lack of knowledge
about free HIV centers in the community, previous traumatic events, misconceptions about the quality of HIV services, and a poor
supportive referral system among drug treatment and HIV centers.
Conclusions: The findings highlight a need for removing stigma and providing high quality women-only HIV services. Increasing
trust and knowledge of available HIV services are needed for this group of women. Increasing staff knowledge is a priority. An
integrated supportive network among drug treatment and HIV centers is suggested in Iran
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