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Abstract
Prevalence of STDs/HIV infection in prisons of West Bengal and prevention programs in India
A.K. Nag1, D. Chattopadhayay2, S. Nag1, G.C. Saha1, VIHC JAILAIDS Group
Issues: Ignorance and meagre data on STDs/HIV/AIDS in Prisons in India, Fear, Stigma & discrimination, Inadequate care & support services
Description: VIHC has been carrying out AIDS Intervention Program among prisoners since October, 2000, The program covered 20 prisons in West Bengal reaching 50,000 odd prisoners and staff.
Prisoners were told about STDs and AIDS including risk practices and were shown slides on signs/symptoms of STDs/AIDS. Prison Medical Officers and Peer Educators among inmates were requested to discuss the issue with prisoners and refer suspected cases at special clinics conducted by us at different jails to examine, treat and counsel the patients. Voluntary and confidential Blood Testing was done.
Lessons learned: 1015 cases (890 Males & 125 Females) were found to be suffering from STDs. Voluntary Blood testing in 384 cases detected 43 VDRL positives, 45 positive for HSV21gG, 24 positive for HbsAg and 9 HIV seropositives.
Most of the seropositive cases were undertrials and were in jail for between 1day to 1 year.
3 VDRL positive cases were in Jail for more than 2 years and none of them acknowledged any risk-practice. They came from diverse socio-economic background. Most of them were illiterate or had studied only upto primary level. They were aged between 18-52 years.
(Mean age 27 yrs.) Almost all the cases had indulged in some form addictions; mainly smoking and alcohol. Ganja and heroin were also reported by a few inmates. They were in Jail due to various charges mainly theft, dacoity and murder.
Conclusions: There is high prevalence of STDs in Prisons. Ignorance and denial is very much present among STD cases. More study is necessary to understand the behavioural pattern of jail inmates and to motivate them to abandon risk-practice. Regular screening, treatment and counselling services for STDs/AIDS should be provided in Prisons.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WEPE0481
Suggested Citation
"A.K.Nag, et al.
Prevalence of STDs/HIV infection in prisons of West Bengal and prevention programs in India.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WEPE0481"
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