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This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in a community-based setting in Tehran, Iran. In October 2004, injecting drug users were recruited from a drop-in centre and neighboring parks and streets in a drug-populated neighborhood in Tehran. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and a sample of oral mucosal transudate was collected for detection of HIV and HCV antibodies. Overall, 105 of 202 participants (52.0%) were found to be positive for HCV-antibody testing. After adjustment for the basic demographic characteristics, the prevalence of HCV infection was found to be associated with length of drug injection (more than 10 years) [odds ratio (OR), 3.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43–7.38], length of lifetime incarcerations (more than a year) (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.68–7.06), and a history of being tattooed …