Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Among Prisoners: Prisoners' and Prison Officers' Knowledge of HIV and Their Attitudes to Options for Prevention

• NCJ Number: 125358
• Journal: Community Health Studies Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 61-64
• Author(s): M D Gaughwin; R M Douglas; L Davies; A Mylvaganam; C Liew; R Ali
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Inmates and staff of a maximum-security prison for males in Australia were interviewed to determine their knowledge of HIV transmission and their opinions about HIV prevention programs.

Abstract

About half of the prisoners volunteered to be interviewed, and a systematic sample of about 20 percent of the prison guards were also interviewed. Results showed that prisoners have some basic knowledge about HIV infection but that they, and the correctional guards, think that the information about AIDS has not resulted in substantial reductions in some risky behaviors, especially intravenous drug use. The prisoners also think that they need more information about AIDS to protect themselves adequately. Findings indicated that current information and counseling about AIDS are not meeting inmates' needs and should be reviewed and improved. Results also suggested the desirability of considering such strategies as HIV antibody testing on discharge from prison, an increased effort to understand the patterns and determinants of intravenous drug use in prison, and the provision of condoms and bleach with adequate instructions on their use. Tables and 10 references.