Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
The Feasibility and Acceptability of an Hiv Web-Based Screening Program in Iran Publisher



Sahebi R1, 2 ; Dehghanian H3 ; Mirahmadizadeh A4 ; Sahebi L5 ; Farkhad RY6 ; Khayatzadehsafaie S7 ; Sattari N8 ; Jahangiry L1 ; Sharifi H9, 10
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
  2. 2. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  3. 3. National Public Health Management Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
  4. 4. Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  5. 5. Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Drug and Laboratory Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Communicable Disease Control, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
  8. 8. Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
  9. 9. HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
  10. 10. Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States

Source: Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Poor diagnosis remains a significant barrier to effective HIV control in Iran. A web-based screening program could provide a novel approach to address this challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based HIV screening program for identifying individuals with high-risk HIV behaviors in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an educational website where individuals could anonymously complete a risk assessment questionnaire. Those with a history of high-risk behaviors were invited to attend voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) centers for HIV testing. Various strategies, including text messages, Instagram posts, and advertisements on local health center websites, were employed to promote website visitation. Results: The website received 11,581 visits from 4,303 unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Of these, 3,079 visitors (71.0%) accessed the questionnaire section, and 456 (14.8%) completed the questionnaire. Nine respondents (1.97%) were under 16 years old and were excluded. Among the remaining 447 participants, 254 (56.8%) were from Tabriz City. Of these, 180 (70.9%) reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors, drug use, or occupational exposure. Notably, this group’s five individuals (2.8%) reported visiting VCT centers after completing the questionnaire. Conclusion: Developing an educational website combined with targeted promotion appears to be a feasible and potentially effective strategy for increasing awareness of HIV and motivating individuals to seek testing. Incorporating online counseling and interactive educational materials managed by trained professionals may enhance the program’s impact. Further studies are recommended to comprehensively evaluate this approach’s feasibility and acceptability. © Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System.
Related Docs
1. Web and Mobile Based Hiv Prevention and Intervention Programs Pros and Cons -A Review, Studies in Health Technology and Informatics (2017)
Experts (# of related papers)
Sharareh Rostam Niakan Kalhori (1)