The problem of blood-borne infections in penitentiary institutions

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Abstract

Blood-borne infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C) represent a serious global public health problem. According to numerous scientific studies, the prevalence of these infections in penitentiary institutions is many times higher than in the general population. For example, in the Russian Federation, the HIV prevalence rate among prisoners reaches 12.17%, significantly higher than the national average. Literature data indicate that the high prevalence of these infections in penitentiary institutions is due to the high concentration of at-risk individuals, poor living conditions, and uneven access to healthcare. Furthermore, the risk of infection is associated with the introduction of drugs into prisons, which, combined with risky behavior, increases the likelihood of infection. This article analyzes current international and Russian practices in providing medical care to prisoners. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing this problem, including organizing epidemiological surveillance and medical care in correctional facilities, raising prisoners’ awareness of infection transmission routes, and preventing infection.

About the authors

Anastasia N. Ivanova

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being

Author for correspondence.
Email: kellekillin@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-0395-573X

Graduate Student

Russian Federation, Moscow

Vadim V. Pokrovsky

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being

Email: pokrovsky.vad@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9514-7288
Scopus Author ID: 7202457043

MD, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor, Head, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention of AIDS

Russian Federation, Moscow

Natalia N. Ladnaia

Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being

Email: nladnaia@hotmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2994-151X

Cand. Biol. Sci., Senior Researcher

Russian Federation, Moscow

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