MENTAL HEALTH OF INCARCERATED WOMEN IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

SALUD MENTAL DE LAS MUJERES EN UNA PRISIÓN EN EL ESTADO DE RÍO DE JANEIRO

ABSTRACT

Objective:  identifying the factors related to the mental health of women in a prison in the Statey of Rio de Janeiro.

Method:   a descriptive, exploratory and qualitative study conducted between October 2014 and January 2015 in a female prison in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Forty (40) incarcerated women were interviewed. The information collected was discussed based on content analysis, using a thematic based modality.

Results:   the following factors that affect the mental health of incarcerated women have been identified: anxiety, stress, depression, altered sleep patterns, misuse of psychotropic medication, sexual abstinence, and interruption of family relationships, in addition to the precarious conditions of confinement.

Conclusion:  we emphasize the need for a multiprofessional team in mental health within the prison system that meets the needs of this population, ensuring applicability of the National Policy of Comprehensive Healthcare for Persons Deprived of Freedom, reinforcing dialogue with Humanization Policies and Health Promotion, with the intention of performing healthcare that contributes to comprehensive healthcare for incarcerated women.

DESCRIPTORS: Women's health; Prisons; Integrality in Health; Mental health; Health promotion.