Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru

Abstract Background The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, and human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV I-II) among inmates at the Chachapoyas Correctional Center. The risk factors associated wi...

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Main Authors: Victor Juan Vera-Ponce, Luis M. Rojas, Christian J. Campos, Roxana Cubas, Jhony A De LaCruz-Vargas, Stella M. Chenet, Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:Archives of Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-025-01676-3
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author Victor Juan Vera-Ponce
Luis M. Rojas
Christian J. Campos
Roxana Cubas
Jhony A De LaCruz-Vargas
Stella M. Chenet
Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
author_facet Victor Juan Vera-Ponce
Luis M. Rojas
Christian J. Campos
Roxana Cubas
Jhony A De LaCruz-Vargas
Stella M. Chenet
Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
author_sort Victor Juan Vera-Ponce
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, and human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV I-II) among inmates at the Chachapoyas Correctional Center. The risk factors associated with increased transmission of these infections were also determined. Methods This study was observational, analytical, and cross-sectional. It used a non-probabilistic convenience sampling method to select inmates who consented to participate and could provide a blood sample. Samples were collected between November and December 2022. Serological tests were performed to diagnose HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HTLV I-II. Additionally, demographic and behavioral data were collected through surveys. Results The prevalence of STIs in the sample was 21.31%. Significant associated factors included older age, extended duration of incarceration, and risk behaviors such as sharing personal items. There was a noted low prevalence of previous STI history and low levels of education among the studied population. Conclusions The study emphasizes the significant prevalence of STIs among inmates at the Chachapoyas Correctional Center. It underscores the necessity of implementing specific sexual health programs and STI prevention measures in this environment. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing health services and sexual health education in prisons to minimize STI transmission and promote better conditions for public health equity.
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spelling doaj-art-c5e5fafbbb2d48869a9f30dcd81de9d92025-08-20T03:04:10ZengBMCArchives of Public Health2049-32582025-07-018311810.1186/s13690-025-01676-3Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, PeruVictor Juan Vera-Ponce0Luis M. Rojas1Christian J. Campos2Roxana Cubas3Jhony A De LaCruz-Vargas4Stella M. Chenet5Rafael Tapia-Limonchi6Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM)Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM)Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM)Dirección Regional de Salud (DIRESA)Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas (INICIB), Universidad Ricardo PalmaInstituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM)Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas (UNTRM)Abstract Background The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis, and human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV I-II) among inmates at the Chachapoyas Correctional Center. The risk factors associated with increased transmission of these infections were also determined. Methods This study was observational, analytical, and cross-sectional. It used a non-probabilistic convenience sampling method to select inmates who consented to participate and could provide a blood sample. Samples were collected between November and December 2022. Serological tests were performed to diagnose HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HTLV I-II. Additionally, demographic and behavioral data were collected through surveys. Results The prevalence of STIs in the sample was 21.31%. Significant associated factors included older age, extended duration of incarceration, and risk behaviors such as sharing personal items. There was a noted low prevalence of previous STI history and low levels of education among the studied population. Conclusions The study emphasizes the significant prevalence of STIs among inmates at the Chachapoyas Correctional Center. It underscores the necessity of implementing specific sexual health programs and STI prevention measures in this environment. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing health services and sexual health education in prisons to minimize STI transmission and promote better conditions for public health equity.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-025-01676-3JailsSexually transmitted infectionsEpidemiologic factorsPublic healthPeru (source: mesh NLM)
spellingShingle Victor Juan Vera-Ponce
Luis M. Rojas
Christian J. Campos
Roxana Cubas
Jhony A De LaCruz-Vargas
Stella M. Chenet
Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
Archives of Public Health
Jails
Sexually transmitted infections
Epidemiologic factors
Public health
Peru (source: mesh NLM)
title Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
title_full Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
title_fullStr Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
title_full_unstemmed Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
title_short Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the Chachapoyas correctional center, Peru
title_sort prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors in the inmate population of the chachapoyas correctional center peru
topic Jails
Sexually transmitted infections
Epidemiologic factors
Public health
Peru (source: mesh NLM)
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-025-01676-3
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