The Prevalence of High Risk Behaviors among Women Prisoners in Isfahan, Iran

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Student of Medicine, Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Research Assistant, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Many studies have recognized high-risk behaviors in prisoner populations. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and blood born diseases in prisoners are often higher than the general population. AIDS and hepatitis are the most important diseases among prisoners. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk behaviors, in women prisoners in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all of the women prisoners in the central prison of Isfahan were investigated. Demographic characteristics and high-risk behaviors information were fetched by a standardized questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive tests and χ2, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests. P < 0.05 was considered statically significant.Findings: 160 women prisoners were investigated. Smoking (31.3%), addiction (30.1%), multiple arrests (26.4%), extra-marital sex in their husbands (22.1%), alcohol drinking, extra-marital sex and temporary marriage (17.8%) were the most common high-risk behaviors in the studied population. Smoking, drinking and addiction was seen respectively in 92 persons (60.2%), 42 persons (26.9%) and 62 persons (39.2%) of prisoners family. 10 women (6.4%) claimed intravenous drug abusing in their families.Conclusion: Regarding the results of this study, performing the harm reduction and preventing programs in prisons and obligation of raising awareness in high-risk groups is recommended.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 150 - Serial Number 150
July and August 2011
Pages 1099-1106

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 July 2011
  • Revise Date: 27 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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