Sexuality within Romanian Prisons – case study

In order to offer some elucidations both, on the detainees’ attitude towards health and diseases prevention, and also on the government’s policies regarding sexuality in the Romanian penitentiaries, 950 detainees were carefully selected to be part of a study. There was a relevant sampling procedure and during the interviews was used a pre-defined questionnaire. The survey was elaborated and conducted along with a team whose members were experts coming from public health, psycho-sociology and social work field. The results of a consistent research are presented and they concern the HIV infection risk evaluation in the case of nine Romanian prisons detainees and also the efficiency of the prevention programs. The final report combines statistical information and comments with parts of the qualitative interviews. Naturally, the study was focused on homosexual relationships among people living in detention (prisons environment being considered much favourable for homosexual behaviours) and aimed to identify opinions and attitudes on HIV infection and AIDS but also to reveal the subjects’ knowledge on these medical and social issues. The conclusions of the study provide a deep image of the way in which the detainees (regardless their age and level of education) understand to take precaution or not when having sex and their perception on HIV infection risks and on contacting AIDS. On the other hand, there was possible to set up a wide range of proposals in connection with the prevention acts that are specific to the investigated field.
This case study is due to my participation as medical sociologist during the HIV/AIDS prevention program in penitentiaries. The data analysis became a real support when right decisions regarding public health were taken regarding penitentiaries’ policies.


Keywords: sampling, public health, psycho-sociology, social work, homosexual relationships, HIV infection