Sexually transmitted infections in women deprived of liberty in Roraima, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B infection among women deprived of liberty in the state of Roraima, Brazil, and its correlation with perceptions, knowledge and behavioral factors. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study, with simple systematic sampling, conducted at the Public Female Prison in Boa Vista, State of Roraima, in 2017. A total of 168 inmates (93.8% of the population) were evaluated by in-person interviews and rapid tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) was 20.2%, being 4.7% HIV, 15.5% syphilis, and 0.0% hepatitis B. Multivariate analysis confirmed as risk factors for acquiring an STI: being over 30 years of age [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.57; 95%CI 1.03-6.40); low schooling (adjusted OR: 2.77; 95%CI 1.08-5.05); little knowledge about condom use (adjusted OR: 2.37; 95%CI 1.01-7.31); and believing that there is no risk of contracting syphilis (adjusted OR: 2.36; 95%CI 1.08-6.50). CONCLUSION: The population deprived of liberty is a group of highly vulnerable to STI. The high prevalence of these infections can be explained by knowledge deficits on the subject, distorted perceptions and conditions peculiar to imprisonment, which result in risky behavior. We emphasize the need to implement educational programs for preventing, diagnosing and treating STI for this population.

Sexually transmitted infections in women deprived of liberty in Roraima, Brazil / Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em mulheres privadas de liberdade em Roraima

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B infection among women deprived of liberty in the state of Roraima, Brazil, and its correlation with perceptions, knowledge and behavioral factors. METHOD This is a cross-sectional study, with simple systematic sampling, conducted at the Public Female Prison in Boa Vista, State of Roraima, in 2017. A total of 168 inmates (93.8% of the population) were evaluated by in-person interviews and rapid tests. RESULTS The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) was 20.2%, being 4.7% HIV, 15.5% syphilis, and 0.0% hepatitis B. Multivariate analysis confirmed as risk factors for acquiring an STI: being over 30 years of age [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.57; 95%CI 1.03-6.40); low schooling (adjusted OR: 2.77; 95%CI 1.08-5.05); little knowledge about condom use (adjusted OR: 2.37; 95%CI 1.01-7.31); and believing that there is no risk of contracting syphilis (adjusted OR: 2.36; 95%CI 1.08-6.50). CONCLUSION The population deprived of liberty is a group of highly vulnerable to STI. The high prevalence of these infections can be explained by knowledge deficits on the subject, distorted perceptions and conditions peculiar to imprisonment, which result in risky behavior. We emphasize the need to implement educational programs for preventing, diagnosing and treating STI for this population.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a prevalência de infecção por vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), sífilis e hepatite B entre mulheres privadas de liberdade do estado de Roraima e sua correlação com percepções, conhecimento e fatores comportamentais. MÉTODO Trata-se de estudo de corte transversal, com amostragem sistemática simples, realizado na Cadeia Pública Feminina de Boa Vista, estado de Roraima, no ano de 2017. Foram avaliadas 168 detentas (93,8% da população) por meio de entrevista face a face e testes rápidos. RESULTADOS A prevalência de alguma infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) foi de 20,2%, sendo 4,7% de HIV, 15,5% de sífilis, e 0,0% de hepatite B. A análise multivariada confirmou como fatores de risco para adquirir uma IST: ter mais de 30 anos de idade [ odds ratio (OR) ajustada: 2,57; IC95% 1,03-6,40); baixa escolaridade (OR ajustada: 2,77; IC95% 1,08-5,05); pouco conhecimento sobre o uso da camisinha (OR ajustada: 2,37; IC95% 1,01-7,31); e achar que não há risco de contrair sífilis (OR ajustada: 2,36; IC95% 1,08-6,50). CONCLUSÃO A população privada de liberdade constitui um grupo de alta vulnerabilidade às IST. A elevada prevalência dessas infecções pode ser explicada por déficits de conhecimento sobre o assunto, percepções distorcidas e condições peculiares ao aprisionamento, que resultam em comportamento de risco. Ressalta-se a necessidade de implantar programas educativos de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento de IST para essa população.