Prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of inmates diagnosed with infectious diseases living in a region with a high number of prisons in São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of inmates diagnosed with infectious diseases living in a region with a high number of prisons, São Paulo, Brazil.DesignThis is a retrospective and descriptive study conducted from November 2017 to October 2018.SettingPrisons located in the western and northwestern regions of São Paulo, Brazil.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on infectious diseases and coinfections (HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis and tuberculosis (TB)) of inmates from 28 prisons. Inmates were previously diagnosed following the protocol for control and surveillance of infectious diseases, through laboratory or imaging methods. A questionnaire was completed by the healthcare staff. Prevalence was obtained by dividing the number of individuals with positive results by the number of inmates in each prison. Locations of prisons were obtained and maps were constructed using geographic information systems.ResultsA total of 741 of 37 497 inmates (1.97%) were diagnosed with HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis or TB. HIV was the most prevalent infectious disease (0.68%), followed by TB (0.66%), syphilis (0.2%), HCV (0.2%) and HBV (0.04%). For all of these diseases, prevalence rates varied from very low to high (3.11% and 2.45%) for TB and HIV, respectively, in the five prisons where they were most prevalent. HIV-syphilis was the most associated coinfection (OR, 63.7; 95% CI 41.4 to 96.7). Three of those diagnosed with the infection were female and the ratio of female to men was 0.004:1.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that the number of cases of infectious disease among inmates in the northwestern and western region of São Paulo is probably underestimated, with lower rates of HCV, HBV and syphilis. This represents a challenge to prisoners’ health. Improvements in diagnosis, mainly to reduce viral hepatitis, are crucial with benefits for inmates and the general population.

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

“…Prisoners with no history of institutional education (illiterate) were mentioned by nine articles, and the rate of complete illiteracy among participants ranged from 1.5% to 30.9%. 3 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 39 , 43 In addition, eight articles reported that their sample participants had only completed high school education, with a percentage ranging from 9.32% to 60%. 3 , 15 , 16 , 19 , 24 , 26 , 31 , 34 , 44 Finally, only eight studies reported higher educational levels among their participants, and reported university/college education from a low of 2.5% to a peak of 16.7%.…”

“… 3 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 39 , 43 In addition, eight articles reported that their sample participants had only completed high school education, with a percentage ranging from 9.32% to 60%. 3 , 15 , 16 , 19 , 24 , 26 , 31 , 34 , 44 Finally, only eight studies reported higher educational levels among their participants, and reported university/college education from a low of 2.5% to a peak of 16.7%. 14 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 24 , 34 , 43 , 44 One study reported that, more than 58% had of their participants' high education.…”

“…In total, 18 studies‐ including two cross‐sectional studies assessed HCV infection, 22 , 39 five (one cohort study, and four cross‐sectional) studies investigated HBV infection 18 , 20 , 32 , 33 , 42 and 10 articles evaluated both HBV and HCV infections 15 , 17 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 35 , 40 used laboratory testing among prisoner participants.…”

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of hepatitis C and COVID‐19 coinfection: Prolonged RNA shedding in nonhospitalized case

“…WHO estimated that in 2016, approximately 399 000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). In Brazil, prevalence varies from 0.2% to 47% according geographical region or the group evaluated, such as drug users, inmates, Amerindians, people living with HIV, patients with hematological disorders, and chronic kidney disease patients 15‐18 . Kandeel et al 19 have evaluated the potential of antiviral drugs used for hepatitis C, like sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir, to build a model for COVID‐19 treatment.…”

“…In Brazil, prevalence varies from 0.2% to 47% according geographical region or the group evaluated, such as drug users, inmates, Amerindians, people living with HIV, patients with hematological disorders, and chronic kidney disease patients. [15][16][17][18] Kandeel et al 19 have evaluated the potential of antiviral drugs used for hepatitis C, like sofosbuvir, and daclatasvir, to build a model for COVID-19 treatment. In addition, it was observed fulminant outcome or reactivation of hepatitis infection during hepatitis B and COVID-19 coinfection.…”