NCJ Number
120370
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study was to examine evidence for gonococcal infection acquired by male inmates while being held in New York City correctional facilities.
Abstract
Admission dates were identified for male inmates with culture-proven gonococcal infection from October to December 1986. During the 3-month period, 285 culture-proven cases of gonorrhea were reported to the New York City Department of Health for male prisoners. Admission dates for 262 of these inmates showed that 27 acquired their infection while imprisoned. With respect to length of incarceration when gonorrhea was first isolated, 3 inmates were housed less than 3 weeks, 7 inmates were housed between 3 and 4 weeks, 11 inmates were housed between 6 weeks and 4 months, and 6 inmates were housed between 5 and 12 months. Study findings confirmed that sexual activity, even though prohibited, occurred in New York City correctional facilities and that 10.3 percent of all gonorrhea infections in male inmates developed after incarceration. The link between homosexual activity and AIDS is discussed in light of the prison population's sexual activity, with the recommendation that all inmates receive education and prophylaxis to decrease their risk of acquiring or transmitting AIDS. 12 references, 1 table.