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Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 26 No. suppl 2, 2014.

Original scientific paper

RISK BEHAVIOUR OF PRISON INMATES IN RELATION TO HIV/STI

Jelena Ravlija ; Institute for Public Health FB&H, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivan Vasilj ; Faculty of Health Studies Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inga Marijanović ; University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Department of Oncology, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Marina Vasilj ; University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Abstract

Introduction: Persons serving a prison sentence are identified as a population exposed to a higher risk of HIV/STIs due to a high
incidence of risk behaviour, especially intravenous drug misuse. To show results of research on prevalence of HIV/STIs in relation to
spread of risk behaviour and other risk factors.
Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study on a sample of 620 respondents in 10 prisons. A specially structured questionnaire
was applied as a research instrument, together with blood sample taking for laboratory analysis of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis.
Results: Majority of respondents show insufficient knowledge about HIV/AIDS, ways of transmission prevention, especially
knowledge on ways of HIV transmission. Every sixth respondent has experience of intravenous drug use, of which 58% exchanged
drug injection equipment. Every fifth respondent with a tattoo had their tattoo done in prison. Below 2% of respondents quote being
victims of sexual abuse, and having wilful anal sexual intercourse in prison. Test results in this research: HIV (0), HBV (1.5%), HCV
(14.3%) syphilis (0.5%).
Conclusion: Intravenous drug use presents the strongest risk factor for HCV, and therefore for HIV/ STIs. Other risk factors –
tattooing with kit exchange, sexual risk intercourse, abuse, insufficient knowledge and information about HIV/AIDS, ways of
transmission and way of protection, and lack of access to measures of prevention and “Harm reduction“ programme.

Keywords

risk behaviour; HIV/STD; prison; B&H

Hrčak ID:

265250

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/265250

Publication date:

5.11.2014.

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