In the United States of America, incarcerated women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Transitioning from incarceration into the community is accompanied by increased risk behaviors that are suspected to be related to the acquisition of STIs. Despite the fact that is a major concern yet few efficacious interventions address sexual health prevention among incarcerated women.
The researchers conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 21 incarcerated women at four women’s state prison facilities to collect the relevant data. Qualitative data were gathered from four focus groups to guide future intervention development. Focus group discussions were guided by a semi-structured protocol. The protocol was exploring perceptions of sexual health prevention methods, experience with implementing prevention technologies and protective behaviors, and strategies to overcome challenges in implementing sexual health prevention behaviors. Focus groups were audio-recorded and then the researchers transcribed the recorded verbatim. Data obtained was then analyzed using thematic analysis.
The study concluded through its findings that incorporating these insights, including how to eroticize safe sex, can inform the design of future preventive interventions tailored to meet the urgent sexual health needs of incarcerated women preparing for reintegration into the community.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/45/1/17
