Search

Background Despite the severity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Burkina Faso, data on specific groups are scant especially concerning prisoners. Aims The objective of this study was to determine HIV prevalence and risky behavior in Burkina Faso prisons in order to assist in HIV prevention and AIDS case management decision making among prisoners. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out from September 3–10, 2014 among 18 years aged and over prisoners, in prisons of each of the 13 administrative regions of Burkina Faso with prisoners’ informed consent. Data were collected using a questionnaire that covered general informations on HIV/autoimmune insufficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), coupled with blood samples collection, for HIV laboratory analysis purpose. Results A total of 1,079 prisoners participated in this study. The participation rate for interviews was and blood samples collections were 100 per cent. The majority of participants (97.8 per cent) were men, among whom 9.7 per cent reported a history of STIs. Nearly 50 per cent of these took no precautions to avoid infecting their sexual partners. Implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities in prisons was low (43.2 per cent). Condom use was also low (11.2 per cent). HIV infection Screening was insufficient: only two out of five prisoners had at least one HIV screening. HIV screening opportunities was uncommon and prisoners pointed out the lack of organization of screening campaigns in prisons. HIV prevalence was nearly 3 per cent. Conclusion The exposure level of prisoners to HIV transmission prevention interventions was low. Specific measures are needed to increase condom use for HIV/AIDS and STIs prevention in prisons.