Sexually transmitted diseases among female prisoners in Brazil - Prevalence and risk factors

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become an important m edical problem in prisons, Goal: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for STDs among female inmates in a Brazilian prison, Study design: All female prisoners at the Espirito Santo State Prison were offered enrollment in this cross-sectional study. An interview exploring de mographics, criminal charges, and risk behavior was conducted. Blood and ge nital specimens were collected for STD testing. Results: Of 122 eligible women, 121 (99%) agreed to participate. Prevalence rates were: HIV 9.9 %, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I 4.1%, hepat itis B virus 7.4%, hepatitis C virus 19%, syphilis 16%, gonorrhea 7.6%, chl amydial infection 11%, human papillomavirus-related cytologic changes 9.3%, trichomoniasis 30%, and bacterial vaginosis 15%. Previous or current drug abuse (54%), injection drug use (11%), and blood transfusion (16%) were ass ociated with at least one STD. Condom use was infrequent. Conclusion: The prevalence of STDs and of behaviors leading to ongoing tran smission are high among female inmates in Vitoria, Brazil, and demonstrate the potential importance of prevention activities targeting this population .