Drug use pattern among non-heterosexual and transgender people detained in a female prison complex

ABSTRACT

Objective

to investigate through a cross-sectional study the prevalence and pattern of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs use among non-heterosexual and transgender inmates of a female prison complex in the city of Recife, PE

Methods

a representative sample of 294 inmates was assessed, aged between 18 and 63 years old as female

Results

227 reported to be strictly heterosexual while 67 reported involvement in non-heterosexual practices. The prevalence of tobacco use was higher among non-heterosexual inmates (80.6%; p < .01), as well as illicit drugs (58.2%; p < .001). Among transgenders a higher prevalence of tobacco (92%; p < .01), alcohol (36%; p < .01), and illicit drugs (72%; p < .001) use was observed when compared to cisgender inmates. The consumption of tobacco and alcohol was higher among illicit drugs users (84.9% and 26.9%, respectively). Regarding the illicit drugs use pattern, the most used substance among inmates was marijuana, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity

Conclusions

the present findings demonstrate a greater risk of non-heterosexual incarcerated individuals for substance use, which reflects the vulnerability of these individuals in the prison environment, indicating the need for debate and create public policies toward reducing inequities for this population, assuring them fundamental rights to health and maintenance of human dignity.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual and gender minorities
• drug habituation
• prison
• prisoner
• adults

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for scholarship granting.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).