Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) among People Living with HIV in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Sexual problems are rarely addressed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, even though overt sexual dysfunctions are more prevalent in people living with HIV. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among HIVinfected men in a stable clinical state, examine the relationship between antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure and sexual dysfunction, and identify the associated risk factors. METHOD: This cross-sectional study recruited HIV-positive males who visited the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center of Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran) in 2020. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to evaluate the ED in participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: Of 65 patients who participated in this study, 27.7% had ED. The mean age of participants with and without ED was 39.4±11.5 and 40.4±7.6 years old, respectively. No significant difference was observed between patients with and without ED concerning the sociodemographic status and the use of ART drugs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ED is relatively high among men living with HIV. Future research is recommended among HIV-positive males to identify the underlying causes and explore the potential impact that associated psychological distress could have on sexual dysfunction.

Prevalence of COVID-19-like Symptoms among People Living with HIV, and Using Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has spread globally with remarkable speed, and currently, there is limited data available exploring any aspect of the intersection between HIV and SARSCoV- 2 co-infection. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Tehran, Iran. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 200 PLWH were recruited through the positive club via sampling, and completed the symptom-based questionnaire for COVID-19, which was delivered by trained peers. RESULTS: Of 200 participants, respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and shortness of breath, were the most prevalent among participants, but only one person developed symptoms collectively suggested COVID-19 and sought treatments. CONCLUSION: It appears that existing infection with HIV or receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) might reduce the susceptibility to the infection with SARS-CoV-2 or decrease the severity of the infection acquired. Further research is needed to understand causal mechanisms.