HIV Seroprevalence and Behavior Survey of Incarcerated Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 139832
• Author(s): C J Baker; S Huscroft; R Morris; O Re; J Roseman; B Shultz
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 21 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Los Angeles Cty
• Corporate Author: Los Angeles Cty
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Serologic testing of 1,878 incarcerated adolescents aged 16-18 and interviews of 417 youths detained in the Los Angeles County (Calif.) Juvenile Halls in 1987 formed the basis of an analysis of the prevalence of HIV infection and sexual behavior, medical history, drug abuse, and knowledge of AIDS transmission and risk factors in this population.

Abstract

Results revealed 3 positive HIV antibody tests, for a rate of 1.6 per 1,000. In addition, more than 90 percent of the minors interviewed were sexually active, with small percentages occasionally engaging in homosexuality, rectal sex, or both. Casual sex was common, and condom use was rare. Half of the youths reported drug abuse, and 10 percent reported intravenous drug use. Ninety percent were aware of AIDS, and 50 percent considered themselves to be at risk. About 75 percent wished to be tested for HIV infection. Findings indicate that mass HIV screening is not justified. however, these youths appear to be at an unusually high risk for HIV infection. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on voluntary or medically indicated HIV antibody testing as well as education and counseling programs to prevent high- risk behavior among incarcerated youths. Tables and 12 references