Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at Entry Into Prison in Reunion

Since the beginning of the 2000s, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of STIs in France. In Reunion, the few figures available seem to show the same phenomenon, especially for syphilis. The unfavorable socio-economic context, which is characterized by high levels of precariousness, significant population exchanges (immigration, travel) with neighboring countries, behaviors around sexuality or screening for STIs different from those observed in mainland France are all factors testify to the singularity of the Reunion island in relation to the metropolitan France with regard to the risk factors of STIs.

STI management has become a priority in public health; in particular, the 2010-2014 HIV and STI control plan emphasized the need for their surveillance and screening. These are often asymptomatic infections that can cause serious complications if they are not treated (infertility, ectopic pregnancies, maternal-fetal infections, ...). Screening them in at-risk populations is therefore essential to reduce their prevalence.

The prison population is a vulnerable population, possibly exposed during the incarceration but also upstream of it (generally low levels of education, over-represented disadvantaged social categories, low access and use of care, high prevalence of risky behaviors). ). Some prevalence studies of STIs in these populations have been carried out in metropolitan France, indicating a prevalence higher than that observed in the general population. There is little data on the subject for the prison population in Réunion; Given the local specificities, it seems necessary to improve the epidemiological knowledge of STIs in this prison population in Réunion, in order to be able to adapt the prevention and care measures, the conditions of detention presenting potentially aggravating situations (promiscuity, confinement). , hygienic conditions, ...).