HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, among women deprived of liberty: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract Objective: Check the prevalence of infections by HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, and analyze the associated factors in women deprived of liberty in a municipality in Minas Gerais - Brazil. Method:Census conducted between September 2021 and January 2022 with the incarcerated female population, through interviews, rapid tests, collection of confirmatory exams, and referrals. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Out of 206 women, 171 (83%) were screened. Of these, 57 (33.3%) were reactive for some of the infections; subsequently, 20.5% (n=35) confirmed the seroprevalence. Syphilis was the most prevalent infection. In the multivariate analysis, the significant variables were low education and violence inside or outside the prison system. Conclusion: A positive outcome for some of the infections was associated with lower levels of education, exposure to violence, and a history of infectious diseases. These findings point to ways for effective monitoring through appropriate tracking, diagnosis, and treatment.