Karina Rivera-Fierro, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
Karen G. Gómez-Hernández, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
Arodi Tizoc-Márquez, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
Angélica S. López-Arellano, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
Francisco J. Corrales-Sánchez, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, B.C., México
Background: The population of detention centers in Mexico has health needs that require health professionals who understand the needs of people deprived of their liberty. Objective: To advocate for the development of health research skills among vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations in the training of nursing professionals with a social and humanistic perspective. Method: Three theses are presented: two undergraduate and one graduate, covering training in generic and specific skills and publication, through research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. All projects were submitted to the Ethics Committee of the Mexicali Faculty of Nursing, and the corresponding permits were obtained from the city’s Social Reintegration Center. Results: Projects were linked and implemented with the city’s penal and post-penal services, which allowed undergraduate and graduate students to receive training in prison nursing and to gain initial experience working with the population of this penitentiary center. Conclusion: Training nursing personnel to work in penitentiary centers is a Mexican need with limited progress compared to countries such as Spain and the United States, where specialization has strengthened health services and social reintegration.
Keywords: Health services for prisoners. Nurse’s role. Gender and health, mental health. Reproductive health services.