The association between body mass index and risk of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies show a positive association between body mass index (BMI) and a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the general population, there are limited data on that in patients living with HIV (PLHIV). The objective of the current study is to determine the prevalence of high risk for OSA and the association between BMI and OSA in PLHIV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 316 confirmed HIV cases aged ≥ 18 years who attended consulting centers in Tehran during 2019. For the diagnosis of OSA we used the Persian version of the modified Berlin questionnaire that includes ten questions broken down into three categories. A high risk for breathing problems was defined if the total score is ≥ 2. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between BMI and OSA risk groups. RESULTS: Among PLHIV, 52.1% of men and 41.6% of women were considered as high risk for breathing problems during sleep at the time of the study. Patients with a higher risk for breathing problems had significantly higher BMI levels compared to those categorized as low-risk levels (25.2 vs. 24.3 kg/m2). Each unit increase in the BMI increased the odds of being high risk for OSA by 6% in the multivariable model. (odds ratio [OR]: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06: 1.01-1.13). Considering BMI categories, compared to the normal weight, being obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) increased the high risk for OSA (OR [95% CI]: 2.54 [1.10-5.89]). CONCLUSION: We observed a significant association between general obesity and prevalence of OSA among PLHIV.

Induced abortion and associated factors among female sex workers in Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Induced abortion is an occupational hazard for female sex workers (FSWs). This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with induced abortion among FSWs in Iran. METHODS: 1337 FSWs aged ≥18 years who reported selling sex to more than one male client in the past 12 months were recruited in 13 major cities in Iran between January and August 2015. Bivariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression models were constructed to examine the correlates of induced abortion. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. RESULTS: Lifetime induced abortion was reported by 621 of 1335 participants (46.5%; 95% CI 43.8, 49.2). Older age (APR for ≥ 35 vs. < 25 years, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.07), having ever been married (APR 1.58; 95% CI 1.05, 2.39), having ever worked in a brothel (APR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02, 1.38) and a lifetime history of being raped (APR 1.19; 95% CI 1.03, 1.38) were significantly associated with lifetime induced abortion (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of induced abortion among FSWs in Iran is concerning. Evidence-informed programmes targeting FSWs in Iran would improve their knowledge and encourage contraceptive use as well as promote pregnancy prevention and post-abortion care.

Investigation of the effects of a prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission program among Iranian neonates.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is mostly spreading in developing countries. One of the most important pathways of HIV infection in these nations is the vertical route, from mother to infant. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program for HIV among Iranian neonates born to HIV-positive mothers. A total of 54 neonates born to HIV-1 positive mothers, all of whom were in a PMTCT program for HIV, as per the Iranian guidelines, were enrolled in this descriptive cross sectional study from March 2014 to July 2017. After RNA extraction of a plasma specimen, HIV-1 viral load was tested by an Artus HIV-1 RG RT-PCR Kit. Out of 54 evaluated neonates, 32 (59.3%) were male. The mean age of the HIV-infected mothers was 30.1 ± 5.4 (range: 19-47) years, and 36 (66.7%) of the mothers were in the age group 26-34 years. In the present study, it was found that none of the neonates whose mothers had previously entered PMTCT programs had HIV. 15 children were found who were born to HIV-positive mothers who had not entered the PMTCT program. Three of these children were infected with HIV (CRF35_AD), and none of them carried HIV-1 variants with SDRMs. The results of this study indicate that if HIV-positive pregnant women enter the PMTCT program for HIV, they can realistically hope to give birth to a non-infected child.