NCJ Number
132470
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The Prison Medical Service in South Australia has developed policies for the control and prevention of AIDS in correctional facilities, emphasizing the integration of seropositive inmates with the total prison population, HIV antibody testing of all inmates, and provision of education and counseling.
Abstract
The integrative policy was established when HIV infection was not known to be contagious. Compulsory screening was added in 1987, although it was prompted more by legal than by public health concerns. However, the availability of AZT treatment has made early diagnosis clearly beneficial to infected people. The compulsory testing has also helped relieve pressure on the government to segregate all HIV-infected inmates. Further health initiatives have included vaccination of correctional staff and voluntary testing for hepatitis B, voluntary chest x-rays to screen for tuberculosis, and the use of a standard protocol for HIV-positive inmates. Other issues needing attention include intravenous drug abuse, homosexual activity, nutrition and vitamin supplements, equitable access to appropriate health care in prison, confidentiality, motivating inmates to use counseling services, and occupational health among correctional health care personnel. 18 references