Exposição à hepatite C em internos de um complexo penitenciário de Sergipe

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver, asymptomatic in most cases, usually diagnosed in the chronic phase, such as type C, transmitted mainly parenterally, through contact with contaminated blood. Some population segments are more vulnerable, among them, people deprived of liberty. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the exposure to hepatitis C in inmates of a penitentiary complex in Sergipe. METHOD: This is an analytical and cross-sectional study carried out in a penitentiary complex in Sergipe. It included 1835 inmates who underwent rapid tests for hepatitis C and answered a questionnaire with 70 objective questions. The database was prepared using Microsoft Office Excel 2013 software and the statistical analysis was developed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 27.0. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between the presence of hepatitis C and being LGBTQIAP+ and a history of sexual violence. Regarding sexual practices, the use of male condoms showed a significant association, being a protective factor against the disease, while having more frequent sexual relations proved to be a risk factor. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hepatitis C is higher among black/brown individuals and those with incomplete elementary education. Being LGBTQIAP+ has a significant association with the infection, as well as having suffered sexual violence and having sexual relations more frequently in prison. In this context, routine diagnosis of hepatitis C is necessary, as well as improvements in health care for inmates to prevent and reduce sexually transmitted infections in prisons.