Background: The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods: Using targeted sampling and through snowball referrals, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and selfreported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach.

Objectives Due to the growing elderly population, it is important to solve the problems faced by the elderly, including their mental health problems. Since the increase in death anxiety and the decrease in life expectancy is more common in the elderly, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of group logotherapy on death anxiety and life expectancy of the elderly living in boarding houses in Kerman. Methods & MaterialsThe study population consisted of all elderly people in Kerman. By visiting two centers of Mehrazin and Amiralmo'menin in Kerman, 30 elderly people (18 female and 12 male) were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (each n=15). The experimental group was provided group logotherapy for ten sessions (each session of 90 minutes). The control group received no intervention. Both before and after the test, the participants were asked to respond to Miller's Life Expectancy Scale (1997) and Death Anxiety Scale. The data were analyzed using statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, and covariance multivariate analysis. Results The results showed that group therapy has a significant impact on death anxiety in the elderly (P<0.01). The group therapy was also found to affect the life expectancy of the elderly at a significance level of P<0.01. Conclusion Overall, based on the results of this research, group therapy was found to reduce death anxiety and life expectancy in elderly people living in boarding houses and subsequently, improve their mental health. Due to the special emphasis of logotherapy on the present and the meaning of suffering for the elderly, it is important to use it for promoting social well-being of older people.

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