Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the biobehavioral survey among incarcerated individuals and correctional personnel in Mozambique, 2021

Mozambique implemented in 2021 a formative assessment in 22 prisons to identify the operational and logistical needs for the second round of the Biobehavioral Survey (BBS). We discussed barriers and facilitators that could be anticipated in conducting BBS in prisons, in preparation for implementation, structured interviews with key informants with directors and other staff were administered. The data were cleaned and analyzed in Microsoft Excel, and the categorical variables were summarized by means of simple frequencies and percentages. In most prisons the actual prison capacity far exceeds the theoretical capacity, 40.9% have a theoretical capacity of [≥] 50 inmates, 81.8% have inmates who exceed their theoretical capacity. In the country half of the prisons receive only male inmates, and only one female, 54.5% of the prisons visited have inmates under 18 years of age, 72.7% of the prisons had a private space available for the survey, the penitentiary establishments have the physical space for study; ensuring the safety of staff within the facilities; involvement of correctional officers and a clinical focal point. However, barriers such as time management due to prison opening hours, prison laws, restrictions, or permits for research may change without notice due to security, lockdowns, riots, or other situations that may hinder the implementation of research. Currently, little is known about the implementation of a BBS in a correctional environment and only a few barriers can be anticipated, for Mozambiques context, these challenges and obstacles can be overcome through clear communication and collaboration with officials at all levels.