HIV/AIDS – the problem in Polish prisons

Abstract

Introduction: The author has decided to study the issues herein because there is very little research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections of prisoners in Polish correctional facilities, and efficient penitentiary action should be based on good analysis of the problem. Material and methods: The author presents herein the results of analyses of HIV infections among Polish prisoners in the years 2005-2016 and the results (diagnostics surveys) received from her research projects on the sample of 485 prisoners (2013-2014) and 210 prison service officers (2015-2016). Results: The official number of newly detected HIV infections (2008-2016) is 72 per 100,000 persons and the number of HIV infected prisoners is 280 per 100,000. The officers estimated that the real number of HIV-infected prisoners is 5870 per 100,000 (only direct charges of the officers). The prisoners admitted to frequent sexual activity without using contraception and risky sexual behaviours, which is probably the main reason for their infections. Notwithstanding, the majority of prison officers are against giving or selling condoms to prisoners and their sex education. Conclusions: The study results suggest that the problem of HIV infections among prisoners is much bigger than the official data show. As a result, it is astonishing that Prison Service officers are so unwilling to provide prisoners with condoms and sex education.