Addressing COVID-19 in Inmates at Women's State Prison in Indonesia

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, and myalgia. COVID-19 became widespread in Indonesia, with the highest incidence recorded in the Daerah Khusus Ibukota (DKI) Jakarta Province. The movement of individuals into and out of prisons, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to fresh air and physical activities, among other factors, contribute to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission in correctional facilities. Consequently, this study examines the frequency of COVID-19 among prisoners at the Women's State Prison in Jakarta. Responses from a previously published survey were analyzed. The research employed a cross-sectional study design, surveying 105 prisoners within the facility. The primary data were obtained through completion of a structured questionnaire. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant association between a history of contact and COVID-19 infection (p < 0.01, odds ratio [OR] = 17.21). In contrast, conventional COVID-19 preventive behaviors (p = 0.35, OR = 1.70) and access to facilities and amenities (p = 0.77, OR = 1.23) were not significantly associated with COVID-19 infection among inmates. These findings have important policy implications for the prevention and control of epidemics in female prisoners in Indonesia.