@article { author = {Zarghami, Mehran and Bagheri, Maedeh and Bahari, Hamed and Tufani, Khatereh and Mahjoub, Alireza and Daneshmand, Reza and Alammehrjerdi, Zahra and Mohammadian, Raheleh and Massah, Omid}, title = {Iranian Female Methadone Patients and the Perceived Educational Needs Related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus}, journal = {Addiction and Health}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {242-249}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Kerman University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2008-4633}, eissn = {2008-8469}, doi = {10.22122/ahj.v10i4.672}, abstract = {Background: Iranian female methadone patients are at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to involvement in high-risk sexual behaviours and/or needle sharing. The present study aimed to explore the perceived educational needs related to HIV among a group of Iranian female methadone patients. Methods:The research design was qualitative and the participants were sampled purposively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 women and 19 clinicians in Sari, Mashhad, and Tehran, Iran. Then, qualitative content analysis was implemented. Findings: The emergence of three major themes and six minor themes was revealed. Women expressed a need to increase their knowledge including women-specific pathophysiology and disease progression and the modes of the virus transmission and prevention. Women also expressed a need to enhance their knowledge and skills related to the physical management of the virus including self-care and reproductive health. Other themes included perceived psychosocial needs including removing stigma and access to resources in the community. Conclusion: Women reported a wide range of educational needs from basic knowledge to advanced skills. The findings can be used in designing women-specific educational programs related to HIV in Iran. Larger studies are suggested with gender-mixed samples in the Persian context}, keywords = {drugs,Harm reduction,Human Immunodeficiency Virus,Iran,treatment,Women}, url = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_87473.html}, eprint = {https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_87473_048ea045d2323e60289ec4aeeb3486b3.pdf} }