[HIV infection and associated risk behaviours in a prison in Montevideo, Uruguay].

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviours amongst inmates at the Montevideo Prison in 2005. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prevalence of HIV infection and different risk practices were analysed in a sample of 191 individuals by means of a serological study and personal interview based on a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A prevalence of 6.5% was found for HIV infection in prison. The variables that proved to be risk factors were: previous prison sentences (p=0.009; OR= 9.51; IC95%: 1.31-144,0), having had an HIV (+) sexual partner in the past (p=0.000025; OR=7.87; IC95%: 2.58-23.9), current relationship with an HIV (+) partner (p=0.0013; OR=14.24; IC95%: 2.84-70.65), intravenous drug use (p=0.0001; OR=22.6; IC95%: 6.87-78.9), intravenous drug use in prison (p=0.03; OR=4.93; IC95%: 1.10-22.81) and sharing needles (p=0.004; OR=12.5; IC95%: 1.72-114.7).