NCJ Number
138149
Journal
American Journal of Public Health Volume: 81 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1991) Pages: 1318-1320
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This cross-sectional study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of human papilomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, syphilis, and cervical cytology among female detainees at the New York City Correctional Institute for Women.
Abstract
Eligible female inmates were asked to participate in the study during four nonsuccessive weeks in 1988. Eligibility criteria included age less than 50 years, ability to speak English, intact uterine cervix, history of heterosexual relations, and competency to give informed consent. Data were obtained from routine medical intake evaluations and from structured interviews before the usual intake and cervicovaginal lavage for HPV. Of 145 detainees, 130 met the inclusion criteria and 114 agreed to participate in the study. The average age of participants was 26.6 years; 53 percent were black, 30 percent, Hispanic, and 17 percent, white. The median number of reported sexual partners in the past year was 1, and 40 women practiced contraception. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) were common among the women. Seven percent had positive gonorrhea cultures, and 22 percent had positive fluorescent treponemal antibody tests. HPV was the most prevalent STD, with 33 percent of participants infected. Pap smears were abnormal in 9 percent of the women, but no cases of invasive cervical cancer were found. The findings suggest the need for universal pap smear and STD screening of women in prisons and jails, careful followup of women who have abnormal pap smears or may be HIV-positive, and health education for barrier contraception and STD prevention. 19 references and 1 table