NCJ Number
137929
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 319-329
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
HIV infection, AIDS, and associated conditions have become major health care issues in correctional facilities, with over 1,100 cases of AIDS among inmates and up to 10,000 inmates infected with HIV in New York State's correctional system alone.
Abstract
The number of AIDS cases among New York inmates increased from 3 in 1981 to 241 in 1988, and this figure is still rising. Incidence rates averaged 514 per 100,000 per year for the 1985-1989 period, and the cumulative incidence rate through February 1990 was 2,786 per 100,000. Most inmates with AIDS are male, aged 30-39 years, and from minority groups (47 percent Hispanic and 38 percent black). Intravenous drug use is a risk factor in 94 percent of cases. Only 10 percent of males report homosexuality as a risk factor, and 69 percent of males have used intravenous drugs. Of the 1,149 AIDS cases among New York State inmates reported with dates of diagnosis through February 1990, 729 or 63 percent had died. Two HIV seroprevalence studies of incoming inmates in 1987 and 1988 showed HIV rates of 17.4 percent among males and 18.8 percent among females. Rates were higher among persons with histories of intravenous drug use or homosexuality. Concurrent with the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a tuberculosis epidemic. Tuberculosis incidence rates among prison inmates increased almost 800 percent from 15 per 100,000 in 1978 to 115 per 100,000 in 1989. While most inmate health care costs are devoted to the care of AIDS patients and their associated health problems, there will be a much greater increase in health care needs and associated costs as treatment is extended to the pool of HIV positive persons. The HIV-associated tuberculosis epidemic will require special attention because of its potential for airborne transmission, particularly in settings such as correctional facilities where overcrowding and poor ventilation exist. Increased emphasis on staff and inmate education will also be needed to reduce anxiety and limit hysteria. 16 references, 2 tables, and 2 figures (Author abstract modified)