Background: Little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among HIV positive people who inject drugs (PWID) in India. Injecting drug use has emerged as an important route of HIV transmission in India. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the risk behaviours associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID and assess the data reported.Methods: A systematic search of six electronic databases, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase and Ovid Medline was conducted. These databases were searched for published studies on injecting risk behaviours, sexual risk behaviours and socio-demographic factors associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID in India.Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the review of which 3 studies evaluated HIV/HCV coinfection among HIV positive PWID. Older age, low educational level and employment status were significantly associated with HIV infection. Sharing of syringe and needle, frequency of injection, early initiation of injecting practice, inconsistent condom use and having multiple sexual partners were all commonly associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID.Conclusion: Our study identified significant injecting and sexual risk behaviours among HIV positive PWID in India. There is an increasing HIV transmission among PWID in different states, more so in the northeastern states and in metropolitan cities in India. More studies need to be conducted in other regions of the country to understand the true burden of the disease. The lack of sufficient data among HIV positive female PWID does not preclude the possibility of a hidden epidemic among female PWID. The need of the hour is for the prevention of further transmission by this high-risk group through the provision of comprehensive programs, surveillance and robust continuation of harm reduction services.

Despite a campaign of effective educational interventions targeting knowledge, attitudes, and prevention, Human Immunodeficiency-Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to be a significant public health issue in India, with Mizoram reporting the highest HIV/AIDS cases in 2018–2019. In this study, we extracted Mizoram state from the National Family Health Survey Fourth Series (NFHS-4) 2015–2016 datasets and investigated factors associated with respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and prevention towards HIV/AIDS. The sample included 3555 adults aged 15–49 years residing in Mizoram, North-east India. Respondents who reported having ever heard of HIV/AIDS was 98%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the probability of having inadequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS was higher among those with no schooling, who were illiterate, of non-Christian faiths, belonging to backward tribes or caste, from poor households, and those who lived in rural areas, not exposed to media. The odds of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS transmission was high among females (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI 2.34–4.16), respondents aged 35–39 years (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.05–2.87) and those belonging to other backward class. The HIV/AIDS knowledge of respondents was found to be encouraging as the majority (98%) were considered to have a good level of understanding of the condition. An educational intervention to reduce the number of adults 15–49 years infected with HIV/AIDS in Mizoram should target those from low socioeconomic groups, those from non-Christian religions, and those from other backward classes.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors with the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Mizoram, Northeast India. Methods: The data source for the analysis was the 2019–2020 Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) survey from 2695 PWID registered for the Targeted Intervention (TI) services. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with HIV among PWID after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, injection, and sexual behaviours. Results: 21.19% of the participants tested positive for HIV and the prevalence of HIV among male and female participants were 19.5% and 38.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female (AOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26–2.41), 35 years or older (AOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.06–1.99), married (AOR 1.41; 95% CI1.08–1.83), divorced/separated/widowed (AOR 2.12; 95% CI 1.59–2.82) and sharing of needle/syringe (AOR 1.62; 95% CI 1.30–2.00) were all positively associated with HIV infection. We also found that concomitant alcohol use was reduced by 35% (AOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.51–0.82) among HIV positive PWID, and HIV infection was also reduced by 46% (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.44–0.67) among those PWID who use a condom with a regular partner. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that there is a high prevalence of HIV among PWID with 1 in 5 PWID reported to have HIV. HIV among PWID was significantly higher among those over 35 years of age, females and divorced/separated/widowed participants. Needle/syringe sharing behaviour is an important determinant of HIV infection. The high prevalence of HIV among PWID population is multifactorial. To reduce HIV among PWID in Mizoram, interventions should target those sharing needles/syringes, females, especially those over 35 years of age and unmarried participants.

This study aimed to examine the changes in and predictors of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Mizoram, Northeast India, over a period of 15 years (2007–2021). A sample of 14783 PWID was extracted from the Targeted Intervention (TI) services under the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS). A chi-square test was used to compare the differences in HIV prevalence across the three 5-year periods, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors after adjusting for sociodemographic, injecting and sexual behaviours. The results showed that compared to 2007–2011, HIV prevalence was almost three times higher in 2012–2016 (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66) and almost two times higher in 2017–2021 (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.24–1.59). The results suggest that participants who were females (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66), married (AOR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00–1.27), separated/divorced/widowed (AOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.54–1.96), of middle school level education (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.06–1.44), sharing needles/syringes (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.61–1.98) and receiving a regular monthly income were positively associated with HIV infection. Condom use with a regular partner (AOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70–0.85) was high among PWID. Despite targeted interventions under MSACS to reduce HIV in Mizoram, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among PWID remained high between 2007 and 2021. Policymakers and stakeholders should tailor future interventions based on the factors identified in this study that are associated with HIV infection. Our findings highlight the importance of socio-cultural factors in HIV epidemiology among PWID in Mizoram.

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) biomedical intervention. However, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to experience disproportionately high HIV prevalence due to intersecting marginalised identities and systemic inequities. Existing literature has identified several factors but rarely integrates multilevel and intersectional perspectives. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on factors influencing oral PrEP uptake and adherence among MSM globally, with a focus on how intersecting identities influence these factors. This review included studies published and conducted between 2015 and 2025. The search strategy was implemented across four electronic databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO), Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Eligible studies were analysed using the Social-Ecological Model and the Intersectionality Framework to synthesise multilevel influences on PrEP uptake and adherence. Thirteen studies were eligible and included in the review. Findings of the study identified several barriers, including low perceived HIV risk, stigma, mistrust of health care systems, limited provider engagement, and financial limitations. Facilitators included risk awareness, perceived benefits of PrEP, supportive providers, and affirming community environments. Intersecting influences such as ethnicity, religion, relationship status, and socioeconomic status also shaped PrEP engagement. Findings highlight the need for multilevel and intersectional strategies to address stigma, strengthen provider capacity, and enhance culturally affirming health care to promote equitable HIV prevention among MSM.

Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, vitamin A, and folate, remain a major public health among adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries, including Nepal. Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with deficiencies is essential for designing targeted nutrition interventions. Data from 1025 boys and 1852 girls ages 10–19 years were extracted from the 2016 Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS) to examine the prevalence and factors associated with ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), vitamin A, and red blood cell (RBC) folate status among adolescent boys and girls. All micronutrient outcomes were categorized as binary (1 = if deficiency and 0 otherwise). The prevalence of RBC folate deficiency among adolescent girls was 16.2% and other micronutrient deficiencies were higher in girls compared with boys, ferritin (18.0% vs. 4.8%), sTfR (13.8% vs. 12.2%), and vitamin A (4.4% vs. 2.8%). Multivariable analysis indicated that dietary factors, region, and low and normal Body Mass Index (BMI) were significantly associated with micronutrient deficiencies. Adolescents who did not consume eggs had higher odds of iron deficiency (boys: AOR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.24–15.24; girls: AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.48–6.69). Girls from the far‐western region or with low and normal BMI were more likely to be iron‐deficient. Eastern‐region girls had higher odds of folate deficiency, and those not consuming nuts or seeds were more prone to vitamin A deficiency. This study found that adolescent boys and girls in Nepal experience a substantial burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with girls disproportionately affected. These findings highlight the need for sustainable and equitable adolescent nutrition programs in Nepal.