HIV education in a Siberian prison colony for drug dependent males

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an HIV peer training program conducted in a colony for drug dependent male prisoners in Siberia, Russia. METHOD: Questionnaires were used to collect data pre and post peer training sessions. Three peer training sessions were conducted between questionnaires. Fifteen to twenty inmates were trained as peer educators at each week-long health education training session. RESULTS: In 2000 and 2001, 153 and 124 inmates completed the questionnaire respectively. Respondents in both years reported similar health and injecting histories and comparable levels of sexual activity. Respondents in 2001 were significantly more likely to correctly identify both how HIV can and cannot be transmitted compared to respondents in 2000. The prevalence of tattooing in prison decreased significantly between questionnaires. However, there was virtually no reported use of bleach to clean tattooing or injecting equipment in either 2000 or 2001. Access to condoms increased significantly between questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: While this training program was associated with improved HIV knowledge, the Ministry of Justice should consider improved and additional harm reduction strategies. These include increased availability of bleach and condoms and the introduction of methadone treatment and syringe exchange in prison

Saúde sexual e reprodutiva em penitenciária feminina, Espírito Santo, Brasil Sexual and reproductive health of female inmates in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil sociodemográfico e as condições de saúde das mulheres encarceradas em penitenciária feminina. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo descritivo de março a setembro de 1997, em penitenciária feminina do Estado do Espírito Santo. Todas as presidiárias foram convidadas a participar da pesquisa. Participaram 121 mulheres com idade superior a 18 anos, avaliadas por meio de entrevista aplicada, explorando informações sociodemográficas, clínicas e criminais, registradas em questionário estruturado, seguida de exame clínico-ginecológico. RESULTADOS: Um total de 121 mulheres foram incluídas. A média de idade das participantes foi de 30,2 anos (DP 8,98) e de escolaridade, 4,8 anos (DP 3,50). Todas já haviam tido atividade sexual pregressa; a idade média do primeiro coito foi de 15,2 anos (DP 2,55), variando de nove a 27 anos; e 28% apresentavam história de doença sexualmente transmissível (DST). Doze (9,9%) mulheres estavam grávidas no momento da entrevista. História de gravidez na adolescência foi freqüente. A maioria não adotava nenhum método contraceptivo e nem fazia uso de preservativos. Laqueadura tubária foi observada em 19,8% e citologia cervical anormal em 26,9%. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento sobre problemas de saúde existentes dentro do sistema carcerário pode contribuir para fortalecer e ampliar o papel de reabilitação que lhe é conferido. Entretanto, somente a cooperação entre os órgãos de saúde pública e o sistema penitenciário pode produzir resultados eficientes.<br>OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic profile and health problems of inmates in a women's prison. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted from March to September 1997 in a women's prison in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. All inmates were invited to participate in the study. A total of 121 women aged more than 18 years were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics, clinical and criminal past history. Following the interview, subjects underwent clinical and gynecological examination. RESULTS: Of 121 women included in the study, the mean age was 30.2 years (SD 8.98) and the mean of schooling was 4.8 years (SD 3.50). All participants reported previous sexual activity, the mean age of the first sexual intercourse was 15.2 years (SD 2.55) ranging from 9 to 27 years. Previous STDs were reported by 28%; 12 (9.9%) were pregnant at the time. Teenage pregnancy was often reported. Most women reported no use of either any contraceptive methods or condoms. Tubal ligation was seen in 19.8% and abnormal Pap smear in 26.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about health problems inside the prison system can contribute to promoting and increasing social rehabilitation. However, effective results could be seen only with collaboration between public health authorities and the prison system