THE PERCEPTION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN RELATION TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE POPULATION DEPRIVED OF FREEDOM: EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

The mental health of the population deprived of liberty represents one of the greatest challenges of public health, considering the social vulnerability, stigma and institutional negligence that surround this population. This study aimed to describe and reflect on the perception of medical students in relation to the mental health of the population deprived of liberty, based on a practical experience carried out in a detention unit, highlighting the main challenges faced, the lessons learned and the implications for medical training and humanized professional practice. This is an experience report lived by medical students in the Comprehensive Prison Health Care and Socio-Educational Internment Project – PAISPIS. The students were able to observe the functioning of mental health care and dialogue with health professionals working on site. The activity made it possible to recognize the importance of active listening, empathy and respect for human dignity as fundamental principles in the care of people deprived of liberty. It is concluded that the experience contributed significantly to the critical education of the students, stimulating reflections on medical practice in contexts of social exclusion. The need to include themes such as mental health and the population deprived of liberty in medical education is emphasized, aiming at the construction of an ethical, sensitive and socially committed practice.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2025.031-018