Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and associated risk factors among prison inmates in the City of Florianópolis

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among prison inmates and to define the behavioral profile of infected individuals. METHODS: In total, 147 individuals were interviewed and provided biological material. The study population consisted of male individuals who presented at the health unit of the Florianopolis State Penitentiary. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV infection was 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.4-5.8). With respect to the behavioral profile of individuals, no variable showed statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection among prison inmates was higher than that reported for the general population.