Systematic review on the prevention and control of blood-borne viruses in prison settings

Compared with the general public, people in prisons have a higher prevalence of infection with blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This is recognised as a major issue for the health of people in prisons, as well as the general population, because the majority of people who have been incarcerated will subsequently return to their communities. The objective of this report was to systematically review data on prevention and control of BBVs in prison settings, with a focus on the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA).