Original scientific paper
Prevalence, Attitudes and Knowledge about HIV, HBV and HCV Infections among Inmates in Prisons Prilep and Bitola - a Pilot Study
Tanja Jovanovska
; Lecturer in Higher Medical School, University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola, R. Macedonia
Biljana Kocic
; University of Nis, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Public Health Nis, Republic of Serbia
Viktorija P Stojcevska
; Higher Medical College, University St.Kliment Ohridski Bitola, Rebublic of Macedonia
Abstract
Prisons are associates as facilities liable of high risk of infection disease, as a result of the possibility of transmission
of infections in prisons surroundings. Investigations carried out in correctional facilities around the world have shown a
high prevalence of blood borne hepatitis viruses and HIV. The study was aimed at confirming prevalence of HIV, hepatitis
B and hepatitis C among prisoners in Bitola’s, and Prilep’s prisons, existing of co-infection as well to assess knowledge
and attitudes related to HIV, HBV and HCV infections. In this cross-sectional study 200 prisoners have participated, providing
answers to structured questionnaire and in order to analyze blood for HIV, HBV and HCV, rapid blood tests in detecting
antibodies has been used. Prevalence of HCV is 0.20, HBV 0.17 and HIV prevalence is 0. Co-infection prevalence
of HCV/HBV is 0.07 from the total number of examinees. As for the manner of infection with HIV virus 22% are familiar
with the fact that persons cannot be infected by HIV if they have only one sexual partner who is not infected and have no
other partners, and for the protection of HIV and Hepatitis B by correct use of condoms-58% have given correct answers.
Keywords
prisoners; HCV; HBV; HIV; knowledge
Hrčak ID:
124938
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2014.
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