From the Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract: (4668 Views)
In most countries, educational programs and condom use is recommended as the
most important approaches in controlling HIV infection. We examine the role of
different approaches in controlling AIDS epidemics in our region. We find a high
failure rate and probably undesirable effects for condom recommendation in
epidemiological scale especially considering the low prevalence of HIV infection in
our region. Past experience suggests that educational programs in isolation have
insufficient effect on health-related behavior in high-risk groups. Present picture of
spread of HIV infection discloses the role of religious beliefs, moral values, social
nonacceptance of unhealthy lifestyles and illegality of homosexuality, prostitution
and drug abuse in controlling AIDS epidemics. In order for health promotion
programs to be successful these social and cultural factors should be regarded.