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 semi-structured 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