Sexual behaviors and desires of inmates in a Finnish prison – a survey study with population-based comparisons

Using paper surveys, we investigated sexual behaviors and desires of 181 inmates in a Finnish prison. Conjugal visits, sexual desire, and gender were the strongest predictors of sexual activity. Reports of coercive experiences were somewhat less prevalent compared to foreign studies. Compared with population-based data, prisoners reported fewer partnered behaviors, although their desires for these activities were similar. The masturbation frequency did not differ between the two populations; men generally masturbated more than they desired. Male prisoners who reported more masturbation also reported lower wellbeing. Our results can be used to guide prisoner staff on topics relevant to prisoner sexuality.