Knowledge of the prison population about sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

<jats:p>ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the prison population’s knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Methods: An illustrated questionnaire was prepared based on the Ministry of Health’s information booklet to provide information about sexually transmitted infections and applied to a sample of the prison population (PP) (n=158). This is a descriptive and cross-sectional research conducted in 2017 in one of the penitentiaries in the western region of the state of São Paulo. Results: The study sample presented both correct knowledge and misconceptions regarding the identification, prevention, treatment and ways of transmission of these infections. Among these aspects, the identification of these infections raised the most doubts, especially about those that produce penile lesions. Conclusion: The data obtained in the study reinforces the need for greater investments in the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections in the prison setting. They should focus on educational activities contextualized to the profile of this population: young adults with low education and little access to information.</jats:p>

Knowledge of women who have sex with women about Sexually Transmitted Infections and AIDS

“…Lower education level associated with poor knowledge about STI/AIDS was also found in national [27][28][29] and international 30,31 studies that evaluated the general population, adolescents and a population deprived of freedom. Our study shows that more than twice as many WSW had a low level of knowledge about STI when compared with WSM and that having sex with a woman was independently associated with this finding.…”

Conhecimento de mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres sobre Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis e Aids

“…Menor nível de escolaridade associado ao baixo conhecimento a respeito de IST/Aids, também foi obtido em estudos nacionais [27][28][29] e internacionais 30,31 conduzidos na população geral, entre adolescentes e em população privada de liberdade. Observou-se neste estudo que mais que o dobro das MSM apresentaram baixo nível de conhecimento sobre essas infecções quando comparadas às MSH, sendo que fazer sexo com mulher associou-se independentemente com esse desfecho.…”

Effect of a board game on imprisoned women’s knowledge about sexually transmitted infections: a quasi-experimental study

“…Brazil has the fourth largest prison population in the world and the sixth highest rate of inmates for every 100,000 inhabitants. According to the National Penitentiary Information Survey (INFOPEN) in 2017, the Brazilian prison population was 726,354 inmates [ 1 ]. Of them, nearly 42,000 were women [ 2 ].…”

“…There are not enough prison units in the country, which results in overcrowding and in repercussions on the inmates’ quality of life and health [ 1 ]. It is noted that living in the prison system imposes greater exposure to physical risks, such as for the transmission of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) [ 3 ].…”

“…Health education actions and the development of instructional materials can be implemented through the use of educational technologies, which can support STI prevention and control. Educational games stand out among these technologies, which can be easily used by the prison population [ 1 ].…”