HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among inmates of a prison in the district of Barranquilla (Colombia)

Abstract

© 2015, Universidad del Norte. All rights reserved. Objectives: DescribeHIVprevalence and risk behaviors in inmates of the penitenciary of the district of Barranquilla. Method: A descriptive study was conducted with 100 inmates of penitenciary of the District of Barranquilla. We used a questionnaire designed by the authors to determine the prevalence of HIV and risk behaviors validated by expert judges and pilot test. Data processing was performed with the Statistical Package to Social Sciences SPSSversion 21. Results:11% of inmates are HIV-positive; 54% have been remained in the penitenciary between 2 and 3 years sharing cell with 3 to 6 inmates (85%); 33% do not use protection in sexual relationships with practices of oral sex (85%), anal and vaginal sex (31%) respectively carried out 1 to 2 times a week (88%). The personal items that are mostly sharing are: soap (64%) and nail clippers (53%). The most consumed psychoactive substances are marijuana (74%) and alcohol (52%). Inmates have had contact with tuberculosis (54%) and HIV/AIDS (43%).Conclusions:TheHIVand others risk behaviors are public health problems in the inmates population, who are considered highly vulnerable.