Spatial patterns analysis and hotspots of HIV over 20 years using geographic information system. A case study of Kermanshah, West Iran

Introduction: Nowadays, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has turned into a major health predicament worldwide, varying from country to country, and geographic studies performed in Iran on HIV are limited. So, the present study aimed to use spatial patterns analysis and analyze hotspots of HIV over the period 1994-2013. Material and methods: The research method was descriptive, analytic, and cross-sectional. Additionally, the recorded data on HIV-stricken patients based in the Kermanshah County over 1994-2013 were used, and the spatial trends of HIV were analyzed by Arc/geographic information system (GIS). Results: Nearly 3318 inhabitants based in Kermanshah were proven to be infected with HIV over 20 years, of whom 92% were male and 8% were female. Moreover, intravenous drug users had the highest percentage of being infected with HIV (85%). Studying the spatial trends of HIV demonstrated that the majority of infected people were based in Kermanshah County (88%). Conclusions: During the past 20 years, the number of HIV-stricken women has had an upward trend, and the possibility of being infected through intravenous drug injection and sexual intercourse was reported the same in 2013. HIV prevalence increased in Kermanshah Province and three hotspots were identified there. Managers can use the results of the present study when planning for health-related practices such as those related to HIV.