The physical health of women deprived of their freedom in a prison in the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors that influence the physical health of women imprisoned in a prison institution in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Methods: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach, undertaken with forty incarcerated women, using semistructured interviews, subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Factors such as difficulty related to diet, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and restriction of exposure to the sun affect the physical health of the women interviewed. Conclusion:Although these women's understanding regarding their own health is conditioned by the absence of diseases, it is fundamental to have public policies that encourage actions to prevent ill health and promote health and comprehensive health care, as, in the daily life of the institution studied, incarcerated women live with difficulties that influence health conditions. Thus, over time, expanded health concepts may emerge that will stimulate better health and living conditions for this vulnerable group of women.Keywords: Women's health; Prisons; Health promotion; Nursing. resumoObjetivo: Identificar fatores que interferem na saúde física de mulheres encarceradas numa instituição prisional no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, abordagem qualitativa, realizado com quarenta encarceradas, utilizando-se entrevistas semiestruturadas que foram submetidas à análise temática. Resultados: Fatores como dificuldade relacionada à alimentação, falta de atividade física, sedentarismo, tabagismo e restrição à exposição ao sol, afetam a saúde física das mulheres entrevistadas. Conclusão: Mesmo que o entendimento dessas mulheres sobre a própria saúde esteja condicionado à ausência de doenças, torna-se fundamental a existência de políticas públicas que incentivem ações de prevenção de agravos e promoção e atenção integral à saúde, pois, no cotidiano da instituição pesquisada as mulheres encarceradas convivem com dificuldades que interferem nas condições de saúde. Desse modo, ao longo do tempo, poderão surgir concepções de saúde ampliadas, que estimulem a garantia de melhores condições de saúde e de vida para esse grupo vulnerável de mulheres. Palavras-chave:Saúde da mulher; Prisão; Promoção da saúde; Enfermagem. resumenObjetivo: Identificar los factores que interfieren en la salud física de mujeres encarceladas en una institución penitenciaria en el Estado de Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo. Participaron 40 encarceladas, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas sometidas a análisis temático. Resultados: Factores como la dificultad en relación con los alimentos, falta de actividad física, sedentarismo, tabaquismo y restricción a la exposición solar afectaron a la salud física de estas mujeres. Conclusión: Aunque la comprensión de ellas acerca de su propia salud esté condicionada por la ausencia de enfermedades, es imprescindible la existencia de políticas públicas que fomenten acciones preventivas y la atención integral de la salud, porque en el diario, estas m...

Assistência à saúde de mulheres encarceradas: análise com base na Teoria das Necessidades Humanas Básicas

“…Corroborating with the sociodemographic data of the current research, other studies also show young prisoners, of reproductive age, with low education, exercising low qualification activities before confinement, the majority being incarcerated for drug trafficking. 2,4,14 As causes for the involvement of women in drug trafficking, there is the socioeconomic and demographic profile, as well as affective involvement with their partner. After their partner is arrested or murdered, women begin to command criminal organizations, in continuity to the functions performed by their partners, pursuing criminal actions.…”

“…Regarding basic human needs at the psychobiological level, women have difficulty with the adequacy and acceptance of the food offered in prisons, as well as the unhealthy environment, with poor cleaning, overcrowding and poor ventilation, making the place unsuitable for well-being and prisoners' health. 4 Basic human needs are interrelated and universal, so they are common to all human beings. What varies from one individual to another is its manifestation and the way to satisfy or attend to it.…”

“…Thus, while the woman is in prison, the Government must take responsibility for the implementation of actions to prevent injuries and promote the health of women deprived of their liberty. 4 According to the National Health Plan in the Penitentiary System, in penitentiaries with more than 100 detainees, a permanent multidisciplinary team must be provided -which must be composed of a doctor, nurse, dentist, social worker, psychologist, auxiliary nursing and dental assistants -working 20 hours a week. In units with fewer than 100 detainees, professionals from the network should be appointed to provide weekly assistance.…”

“…3 It is known that confinement presents a hostile, unhealthy environment and that the increase in the prison population means a high risk for the onset of diseases, such as communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis and HIV infection. 4 Inmates' health conditions are precarious, and care is inadequately provided. 1 It is known that people who live in prison in Brazil do not have guaranteed their basic rights necessary for a dignified and healthy life.…”

“…However, some studies have shown that in practice there is no effective enforcement of the policy, showing itself to be insufficient, including in guaranteeing women's reproductive and parental rights. [3][4][5][6] In this perspective, greater attention is needed to promote the health of women in prison. The questions related to this topic need to be reviewed and redirected.…”