Invisible women: an experience report on health promotion for women deprived of freedom

Abstract

Introduction:The female prison population increase every day and, there is also an increase in the violation of basic rights, such as access to health and dignity. So, women’s exclusive issues are neglected and their problems become invisible within the Prison System. Experience Report: It was developed as an extension action of the Gynecology and Obstetrics (LAGOB) Interest Group, an activity for the inmates of the Female Penitentiary of Guariba. For this, 6 members were selected to help and carry out consultations and to taking the Pap smear, along with other volunteers, including a doctor who would assist in the consultations. In addition to existing chronic comorbidities, the majority reported complaints related to mental health, thus, active listening was the most used tool, as it allows the understanding of their realities, stories and complaints, and the impact of abandonment on the part of their families and the loss of support. Discussion: The activity allowed us to corroborate the data found in the literature related to the lack of access to health and other human rights, evidencing the relevance of these actions. Conclusion: The provision of medical care and preventive exams for this population is extremely important, due to the precarious access to health and all the benefits of the consultations. Therefore, the activity carried out provided the opportunity to meet a population far from our everyday and understand their needs, so that in our future we can act in favor of the health of neglected populations.