Health beliefs and preventive measures for uterine cervical cancer from the perspective of inmates

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of the inmates regarding their behavior and their individual beliefs for the adoption or not of preventive measures for cervical-uterine neoplasia, sexual and reproductive health based on the Health Beliefs Model. Methodology: exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews with the application of a form with thematic content analysis with 14 inmates from the prison system of a municipality in Minas Gerais. Results: two thematic categories emerged: Perceptions and beliefs in the risk of illness for sexually transmitted infections and cervical-uterine neoplasia, and reasons given by the inmates for adopting self-care measures related to sexual health. Final considerations: the prison system imposes institutional and individual barriers to inmates, making it difficult to carry out preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures for their sexual and reproductive health, this fact points to the need for better resolution, completeness and effectiveness in health care by prison institutions.