A behavioral and serological survey on HIV prevalence among prisoners in Benin


Submitted: 11 April 2017
Accepted: 10 June 2017
Published: 24 August 2017
Abstract Views: 1738
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Authors

  • S. Hessou National Reference Center for the Research and Management of AIDS, Benin.
  • V. Dougnon Research Unit, Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
  • Y. Glele-Ahanhanzo Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
  • B.C.A. Imorou National Program for the Fight Against AIDS in Benin, Ministry of Health, Benin.
  • C. Ahoussinou Independant Consultant, Benin.
  • B. Legba Research Unit, Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi; Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
  • D.M. Zannou National Reference Center for the Research and Management of AIDS, Benin.
  • L. Baba-Moussa Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
Cases of HIV are common in Benin, with infection rates varying according to socioeconomic and cultural factors, and by region. Certain segments of the population, such as prison inmates, sex worker clients and truck drivers are at high risk for HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study is to identify which behavioral and serological indicators contribute to the spread of HIV among prisoners. A total of 496 inmates from prisons located in all major cities in Benin were surveyed. Data was collected through interview sessions carried out using a questionnaire and through blood samples. The results show that most inmates are Beninese (83.5%), and the average age is 33 years (range: 14-80 years). No prisoner reported using a condom the last time they engaged in sexual intercourse. Blood exposure was found in 14.6% of inmates and HIV was detected in 1.4% of cases. Our analysis indicates that the length of detention and gender are factors that influence HIV status. However, age, education, nationality and HIV awareness had no significant effect on HIV prevalence among inmates. The results highlight the need to raise awareness in prisons about HIV. This can be achieved by strengthening communication strategies and by organizing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases information sessions for both prison officers and inmates.

Supporting Agencies

Plan International Benin

Hessou, S., Dougnon, V., Glele-Ahanhanzo, Y., Imorou, B., Ahoussinou, C., Legba, B., Zannou, D., & Baba-Moussa, L. (2017). A behavioral and serological survey on HIV prevalence among prisoners in Benin. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2017.678

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