title: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prisoners in Mexico City Comparing Prevalence of Transmissible Infections and Chronic Diseases with That in the General Population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe patterns of transmissible infections, chronic illnesses, socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviors in Mexico City prisons, including in comparison to the general population, to identify those currently needing healthcare and inform policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study among 17,000 prisoners at 4 Mexico City prisons (June to December 2010). Participation was voluntary, confidential and based on informed consent. Participants were tested for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, hypertension, obesity, and, if at risk, glucose and cholesterol. A subset completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Positive results were delivered with counseling and treatment or referral.
  
  
  RESULTS
  76.8% (15,517/20,196) of men and 92.9% (1,779/1,914) of women participated. Complete data sets were available for 98.8%. The following prevalence data were established for transmissible infections: HIV 0.7%; syphilis: Anti-TP+/VDRL+ 2.0%; Hepatitis B: HBcAb 2.8%, HBsAg 0.15%; Anti-HCV 3.2%. Obesity: 9.5% men, 33.8% women. Compared with national age- and sex-matched data, the relative prevalence was greater for HIV and syphilis among women, HIV and Hepatitis C in men, and all infections in younger participants. Obesity prevalence was similar for women and lower among male participants. The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes and hypertension was lower. Questionnaire data (1,934 men, 520 women) demonstrated lower educational levels, increased smoking and substance use compared to national data. High levels of non-sterile tattooing, physical abuse and histories of sexual violence were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study identified that health screening is acceptable to Mexico City prisoners and feasible on a large-scale. It demonstrated higher prevalence of HIV and other infections compared to national data, though low rates compared to international data. Individual participants benefited from earlier diagnosis, treatment and support. The data collected will also enable the formulation of improved policy for this vulnerable group.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bautista-Arredondo
authors.affiliation: Mexico City's AIDS Program, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: González
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Edson
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Servan-Mori
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Fenella
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Beynon
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Juarez-Figueroa
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Carlos J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Conde-Glez
authors.affiliation: Mexico City's AIDS Program, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gras
authors.affiliation: Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sierra-Madero
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors.forename: Ruy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lopez-Ridaura
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Oncology, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Volkow
authors.affiliation: University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Stefano M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bertozzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001519:Behavior; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult