Program for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in Spanish prisons.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Program for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in Spanish prisons.

Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(1):Mo12 (abstract no. MoD 0037). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA8/92399996
Diez M; Martin L; Granados A

Abstract: ISSUE/PROBLEM: In the last few years the number of intravenous drug users (IVDU) has increased in Spanish prisons. Since intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for HIV infection, the Spanish Prison Health Service implemented in 1989 a Program for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS in Spanish prisons. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Program objectives are: a) To establish a surveillance system for HIV/AIDS in Spanish prisons b) To control the spread of HIV infection c) To provide proper treatment for HIV infected inmates. Program activities are: A) Implementation of surveillance systems: A.I Surveillance of HIV infection: HIV testing is offered to all inmates upon entry in prison on a voluntary basis. A.II Register of AIDS cases. B) Activities aimed at the prevention of the spread of HIV infection: B.I Health Education activities. B.II Condoms and bleach distribution: performed on a free basis. C) Provision of proper treatment to HIV infected persons and AIDS cases. D) Training on AIDS for health personnel working in prisons. RESULTS: As expected, since the proportion of IVDU is almost 50%, HIV prevalence is high among Spanish inmates. Nevertheless, a decrease in HIV prevalence among inmates upon entry in prison has been noted since the beginning of the program: 28.4% (n = 9430) in 1989, 24.2% (n = 10017) in 1990 and 20.6% (n = 16217) in 1991. The number of reported AIDS cases since 1989 is 1065. LESSONS LEARNED: HIV testing in prisons is well accepted by inmates if they are properly informed, testing is voluntary, treatment is available and no discriminatory measures are taken. Prisons are a very important setting for HIV prevention programs. Cooperation between health services inside and outside prison is of paramount importance to improve the efficacy of these programs.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/EPIDEMIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Government Agencies Health Education Human HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/THERAPY/ TRANSMISSION HIV Seroprevalence *Mass Screening *Population Surveillance *Prisoners Registries Risk Factors Spain/EPIDEMIOLOGY Substance Abuse, Intravenous/COMPLICATIONS/*EPIDEMIOLOGY ABSTRACT
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M92C5351

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