[Sexual and reproductive health of female inmates in Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the sociodemographic profile and health problems of inmates in a women's prison.


METHODS
A descriptive study was conducted from March to September 1997 in a women's prison in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. All inmates were invited to participate in the study. A total of 121 women aged more than 18 years were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics, clinical and criminal past history. Following the interview, subjects underwent clinical and gynecological examination.


RESULTS
Of 121 women included in the study, the mean age was 30.2 years (SD 8.98) and the mean of schooling was 4.8 years (SD 3.50). All participants reported previous sexual activity, the mean age of the first sexual intercourse was 15.2 years (SD 2.55) ranging from 9 to 27 years. Previous STDs were reported by 28%; 12 (9.9%) were pregnant at the time. Teenage pregnancy was often reported. Most women reported no use of either any contraceptive methods or condoms. Tubal ligation was seen in 19.8% and abnormal Pap smear in 26.9%.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about health problems inside the prison system can contribute to promoting and increasing social rehabilitation. However, effective results could be seen only with collaboration between public health authorities and the prison system.
Miranda
Angélica Espinosa
AE
Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil. espinosa@ndi.ufes.br
Merçon-de-Vargas
Paulo Roberto
PR
Viana
Maria Carmen
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011330:Prisons; D043762:Reproductive Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016387:Women's Health