Objective:

To analyze the main pathologies that affect the inmates of a Prison Complex of Recife-PE (Brazil), reflecting, in the light of the literature, about the nursing conceptions that permeate such diseases.

Methodology:

This is a documental study, of an exploratory and descriptive nature, with a qualitative approach. Data were collected in the Prison Complex located in Recife, Pernambuco State, and analyzed from preset criteria through a questionnaire with 113 records of prisoners in closed regime. After the completion of forms, the database was formatted, and data were analyzed using the Epi Info Program 2007.

Results:

It was possible to note that, regarding the prisoners’ epidemiological profile, it was found that 66.73% are aged between 18 to 31 years old, 8.85 % live with the HIV/ AIDS virus and 13.27 % have mental disorder.

Conclusions:

The scenario of the prison system consists of subhuman conditions, which violates the basic human rights regarding citizenship. In this situation, vulnerability increases, and the emergency for the implementation of policies, strategies and actions that intervene at these locations is evident. Educational interventions with inmates are needed, as well as a greater number of health professionals, especially nurses, trained and sensitized to act in these realities, ensuring actions for the promotion, prevention and recovery of health.

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