NCJ Number
137930
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 330-348
Date Published
1990
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This analysis examines the potential impact of prison-based AIDS education programs by integrating data collected at a minimum-medium security facility under the Pennsylvania State Department of Corrections into Weinstein's 1988 model for adopting precautionary behavior.
Abstract
The "precaution adoption process" model of Weinstein addresses the central question of when people will act to protect themselves from harm. Weinstein characterizes the decision to adopt precautions as a dynamic process with many determinants. Data for integration into this model were obtained from Pennsylvania inmates that reflected knowledge of and attitudes toward AIDS and perceptions of the risk of becoming infected with HIV. The AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire consisted of 45 questions employing Likert Scale response formats. A sample of 240 inmates was randomly selected from a total of 715 inmates, and 108 or 45 percent completed questionnaires. Expectations concerning the potential for behavior change were used to assess the viability of changing HIV risk behavior through prison-based AIDS education programs. It was determined that such behavior change is possible but highly unlikely. Behavior change is inhibited by a series of constraints in the prison environment that preclude the effective implementation of AIDS prevention activities. In addition, various factors create a lack of political commitment to prison-based AIDS education efforts. Due to these impediments, the primary contribution of AIDS education programs has been their prophylactic effect against staff and inmate litigation. 24 references, 2 endnotes, 1 table, and 2 figures (Author abstract modified)