The Prevalence of High Risk Behaviors among Women Prisoners in 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

• High risk behaviors
• Women prisoners
• Iran