As a concentrated epidemic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spreading rapidly in one or more groups in Iran, but in the general population its prevalence is relatively low. Female sex workers (FSWs) and their partners are at greater risk for HIV infection. To determine the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, herpes simplex type 2 and syphilis among FSWs. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 278 FSWs in Shiraz, by using respondent-driven sampling, from June to March 2010. The recruitment chain started with 14 seeds, and FSWs were tested for HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex type 2, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. HIV prevalence was 4.7% (13/278); the most prevalent STI was herpes simplex type 2, 9.7% (27/278), followed by Chlamydia 9% (25/278), gonorrhoea 1.4% (4/278) and syphilis (0/278). The FSWs reported drug use (69.9%) of which 16.4% had history of injecting drug use. Unprotected sex in the past month was reported by 24.4% of FSWs. Urgent education and risk reduction programmes are needed in this population.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasisis (RVVC) is one of the common vaginal infections in women which could affect their quality of life, romantic relationships, and sexual performance. There is some evidence that psychological problems result in the incidence of RVVC by changing the immune systems of individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the association of sexual function and psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) in women with RVVC. In the case control study, fifty women with RVVC and 50 healthy women who referred to gynecology clinics were selected using convenience purposive sampling. Two samples of vaginal discharge were prepared from each person. A sample was produced under a microscope for direct observation of the organism with 10% potassium hydroxide secretions and another sample was cultured on Sabouraud Agar. Data collection tools used for this study included demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 19). Less sexual satisfaction (OR = 0.608, CI =0.421-0.878) and less orgasm (OR = 0.741, CI =0.530-0.998) have been associated with an increased risk of RVVC. In patients with RVVC, the levels of depression, anxiety and stress were significantly higher compared to those of healthy individuals. Depression, anxiety and stress in the past 4 weeks are related to an increase risk of RVVC. There is an association between depression, anxiety and stress; sexual satisfaction; and orgasm with RVVC. It seems that psychological interventions and sexual counseling can be effective in improving RVVC.

Uremic pruritus is a difficult symptom in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, and its patho-physiological mechanism remains unknown. To determine the relationship between pruritus and C-reactive protein as well as dialysis adequacy among the HD patients, we studied 241 chronic HD patients in Shiraz dialysis centers, Iran. The patients were selected by convenient sampling and the data were collected using a checklist, interview and lab tests. The mean age of our patients was 53.9 ± 16.3 years and 128 (53.1%) of them were male. There were 97 (40.2%) patients who complained of pruritus. A significant association was found between high-sensitive C-reactive protein and pruritus (P = 0.004). Also, a significant positive relationship was observed between pruritus and dialysis adequacy (P <0.001). Our results suggested a correlation between the inflammatory reaction and pruritus. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between dialysis adequacy and pruritus. A better understanding of the factors implicated in the cause of uremic pruritus is essential in the development of more-effective treatments and improved quality of life in HD patients.