The Experience of Spanish Prison Nurses with the HIV Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: This study discusses the experiences of nurses in Spanish prisons during the HIV/AIDS pandemic, emphasizing administrative changes and adaptive measures, such as the creation of the Subdirectorate General of Penitentiary Health. Objective: We describe the experiences of nurses in Spanish penitentiary centers in the face of the HIV/AIDS. Materials and methods: The interpretative and phenomenological approach explored experiences between 1981 and 2023 through focus groups and convenience sampling. Participants were recruited through telephone calls and telematic meetings using Microsoft Teams. Four key themes were identified: the stigmatization of inmates, changes in nursing, the importance of training and resources, and equal treatment between genders. Results: The nursing vision focused on gathering information, providing comprehensive patient support, and sharing personal experiences. Discussion: This research provides a historical perspective on the adaptation of prison nursing to the pandemic, highlighting coping processes and suggesting future lines of research on the experiences of inmates, prison guards, and surveillance officers. Conclusions: We highlight the low media visibility of the pandemic in prisons, underlining the importance of understanding and valuing the nursing experience in prison settings during health crises.