NCJ Number
110509
Journal
Lancet Dated: (November 28, 1987) Pages: 1260-1263
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A survey conducted in 17 nations in Western Europe on behalf of the Council of Europe showed how prison doctors and administrations have reacted to the epidemic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in ways that are not always scientifically and ethically sound.
Abstract
The survey was conducted early in 1987 and involved nations with a total prison population of about 270,000. The most common policy on screening is to offer testing to all prisoners belonging to at-risk groups on a voluntary basis. The confidentiality of test results is specifically mentioned only in Austria and Switzerland. In other nations, it is clear that prison administrations require the medical service to inform them which prisoners are seropositive. Seropositive prisoners are not subject to any restrictions in six nations. Two nations use standard conditions unless the prisoner is violent. Seropositive prisoners are placed in single cells in three nations. Several countries emphasize the need to inform seropositive prisoners of the test results and its implications and to inform all prisoners about precautions necessary to control AIDS. Prisons should provide information to all staff and inmates, make condoms available on request to prisoners, take active steps to prevent the introduction and use of syringes and needles, make anti-HIV tests available on request to prisoners, avoid isolation of seropositive prisoners, and use good hygiene and nutrition. 3 references.