Profile of Female Users of Prescribed Psychotropics in a Prison Unit in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the profile of women who use prescribed psychotropic drugs in a female prison unit. Method: this is a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive cross-sectional study developed with the population of a female penitentiary complex in the state of Minas Gerais. The total population admitted to the institution during the collection period was 363 people deprived of liberty and all were included in the analysis. Data were collected between August and December 2022 from the institutional database and were analyzed according to statistical tests (descriptive statistics and dispersion measures, Mann-Whitney test and Chi-squared test). Results: the sample was composed of young women of African descent, with a low education level, mothers and who did not receive visitors. Approximately 70% (n=250) used some prescribed psychotropic drug. The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were anxiety disorders, followed by mood disorders. Women who used prescribed psychotropic drugs had a higher median length of incarceration. There was a significant association between the use of psychotropic drugs and chronic diseases. Conclusion: the identified profile reaffirms the effects of existing differences regarding gender. Even with the increase in public policies aimed at women, their specificities are often disregarded. Regarding the use of psychotropic drugs, it is suggested that the high rate corresponds to the conditions generated by incarceration.