Retracted: Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk behaviors in prisoners: A systematic review

Abstract

Background and Aims: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the major health concerns globally. Generally, prisoners are at higher risks for STIs due to risk factors including; drug-use, high-risk sexual behaviors, densely populated prisons, and poor living conditions. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the existing data on STI prevalence, and its associated risk factors among prisoners.Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature using the keywords in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar online databases. We selected all the relevant original studies in English through title/abstract and full-text screening process.Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected and reviewed 32 studies out of 96 identified papers. The most important STI-associated risk factors among prisoners were drug use, low educational levels, and unsafe sex. The prevalence of STIs was heterogenous in selected studies and was reported as follows; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (0%−14.5%), hepatitis B viruses (HBV) (0.04%−27.23%), hepatitis C viruses (HCV) (0.17%−49.7%), Syphilis (0.2%−22.1%), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) (1.02%−6.7%), Gonorrhea (0.6%−7.8%), and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) 22.4%. Conclusion:This systematic review indicates that the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, and HSV-2) among prisoners appears to be higher than the general population, with drug abuse, low educational levels, and unsafe sex as major risk factors.

The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among the female population of Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In general, imprisoned people experience inappropriate living conditions, such as poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient hygiene practices and drug use, which may pave the way towards transmission of infectious agents like TV. 43 A statistically significant proportion of the infection among Iranian studies (n=3) was detected among sex workers (5.24% [95% CI 0.06 to 16.33%]) (p<0.001). Based on a recently published global meta-analysis, female sex workers are highly exposed to TV infection at a rate of 15% (95% CI 12 to 19%), 44 and this has been associated with poverty, low-level education 45 and the duration of prostitution, 46 particularly in developing countries.…”

Epidemiology and determinants of reemerging bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emerging STIs in Europe

“… 74 On the other hand, the prevalence of bacterial STIs among people in prisons is heterogeneous in selected studies (CT 1.0%–6.7%, NG 0.6%–7.8%), with recreational drug use, low educational levels, and sex without a condom as major risk factors. 75 Migrants and refugees …”

Cardiovascular risk assessment of people living in prison in the Northern region of Ghana

“…Addressing health inequalities and promoting the well-being of all individuals, including PLP, is an essential component of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) (Johnston, 2016). However, in Ghana, the focus of the health literature about PLP has predominantly dwelt on exploring infectious diseases (Adjei et al , 2008; Golrokhi et al , 2018; Sylverken et al , 2019; SeyedAlinaghi et al , 2022), with limited research investigating CVD risk factors among PLP (Agyapong et al , 2017; Agyapong et al , 2018). Against this backdrop, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood glucose status, high blood pressure, physical activity level, overweight/obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption among PLP at a prison facility in Northern Ghana.…”