Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Associated Factors Among Prisoners in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. Institution Based cross sectional study

Background: Globally, an estimated 9 million people are in prison per year. Prison inmates are a particularly vulnerable population who are under pressure for sexual and other demands. Evidence would suggest that sexual transmitted infections acquired during prison stay. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess prevalence of sexual transmitted diseases and associated factors among Prisoners in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Gondar town from April to May/2012. A total sample of 448 prisoners selected by systematic random sampling method was included in the study. Data was collected by interviewer administered technique. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the presence and strength of association. Odds Ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the level of significance. Result: The over prevalence of STI among prisoners was found 13.7%. In this study, history sexual transmitted infection before detention (AOR= 5.8; 95% CI 3-12), previous imprisonment (AOR= 3.5; 95% CI 1.5-8.0), lack of access to reproductive health information (AOR= 2.6; 95% CI 1.3-5.0), and history of multiple sexual partners (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI 1.9-8.4) were significantly association with sexual transmitted infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs among prisoners was found to be high. Hence, sexual health programs in prisons should include sexual transmitted infections screening and treatment programs and health education about sexually transmitted infection risk reduction.