Assessment of HIV Infection Among Students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

As part of the mixed methods study to assess HIV risks among Iranian students, a Rapid Diagnostic Test. was conducted to ascertain the frequency of HIV among students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The Rapid Diagnostic Test involved drawing 40 micro litre of blood from participants and analysis took about 3-5 minutes to record the results. A total of 500 students volunteered anonymously to be tested for HIV infection in May 2010. Of these, 248 were males and 252 were females. Their ages ranged from 17 to 45 (mean age of 21 years old) . All of the students were studying at Tehran medical university. Tests results recorded no cases of HIV infection among medical students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Because HIV infection can sometimes remain undetected, these results do not necessarily confirm that students are at a low risk of Infection in Iran. Due to the fact that HIV carries a significant burden of disease globally repeated surveys should be carried out regularly to monitor and protect the infection among students. Additionally, increased awareness of HIV risk should be intensified to prevent its emergence and spread among these populations.