NCJ Number
137518
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 174- 188
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A survey of 109 prisoners at a medium-security prison in Texas gathered information about inmates' attitudes about the causes and transmission of AIDS.
Abstract
The inmates were randomly selected from the general population of an institution with a total population of approximately 2,300. They ranged in age from 20 to 70, with a median of 34. Forty-seven were white, 45 black, and 17 Hispanic. The inmates completed interviews and a written instrument. The instruments were the Concepts of AIDS Protocol, an AIDS information test, and a measure assessing acceptance of prisoners with AIDS. Results revealed that the majority of the inmates had a middle developmental level of understanding of AIDS. Their developmental level of understanding AIDS was moderately correlated with their reported level of education, their acceptance of prisoners with AIDS, and their scores on the AIDS information test. Findings indicated the importance of AIDS prevention programs to go beyond simple lists of do's and don'ts while avoiding materials that are too technically detailed or that require the ability to see complex interactions. Educators should also anticipate and address certain misconceptions and avoid presenting excess information that may provide the basis for new misconceptions. Tables, note, and 22 references (Author abstract modified)