Sexually transmitted infections in the prison population of Alfenas-MG: prevalence study and educational intervention

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are transmitted primarily through unprotected sex and by sharing of piercings. It is a delicate subject when treated in the context of prisons and the Associations of Protection and Assistance to the Convicted (APACs). OBJECTIVES: The overall objective was to analyze the relationships between: the prisoner, his knowledge about STIs and his condition of vulnerability. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study and educational intervention. In the analysis of the promptuaries, serologies (FTAabs-IgG, HbsAg, Anti-HCV and Anti-HIV) were researched. The intervention study was carried out in 3 stages: 1st pre-test questionnaire; 2nd lecture; and 3rd post-test questionnaire. RESULTS: From 151 promptuaries, 3 HIV positive, 4 HCV positive, and 8 FTAabs-IgG positive were identified. In APAC, 1 FTAabs-IgG positive was identified. Of the 58 APAC students, 34.5% did not access high school and 37.5% always use condoms. In the pre-test, the majority signalled that the STIs transmission was due to the sharing of punctures and unprotected sex. In the post-test we noted a gain of knowledge in most of the questions. CONCLUSION: The literature and our results showed a higher prevalence of STIs in prisons. It is noted that low schooling is related to risk practices. In addition, the sharing of tools for the drug consumption, the realization of tattoos and the unprotected sex is remarkable. Other setbacks contributing to the high prevalence of STIs have also been observed. Finally, it is necessary to increase the investments in policies directed to the prison population health.