HIV and Drugs in British Prisons

• NCJ Number: 122029
• Journal: Drug Link Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/February 1990) Pages: 12-15
• Author(s): M Trace
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The incidence of drug-related HIV transmission is a major gap in England's response to the AIDS epidemic, since studies show that about 10 percent of the West European prison population is seropositive while British government figures claim only 0.1 percent.

Abstract

England has a less widespread system of testing and monitoring than most European countries, and the fact that most known HIV positive prisoners are segregated from other prisoners is a definite disincentive to admitting seropositivity to prison staff. British prisons contain a disproportionate number of drug users because of the strong line taken by the courts. About 5,000 persons a year are imprisoned for drug offenses, but the total imprisoned due to drug misuse is about 15,000 to 20,000 a year. Evidence suggests a high level of homosexual activity between inmates, even though homosexuals are not overrepresented in prisons. Although prison staff training materials are available on HIV transmission, most prisons are understaffed, and time is not allocated to adequate training. Also, prison staff generally lack interest in such training because issues related to the humane treatment and welfare of inmates are not priorities for prison staff struggling to contain a largely uncooperative group in adverse conditions. Informational materials are also available to inform inmates on how to avoid HIV transmission. The government, however, continues to resist distributing condoms to male prisoners because it is felt such distribution will encourage homosexual activity and because authorities say they cannot condone illegal activities in facilities meant to uphold law and order. (In England, homosexual acts are legal only between consenting adults in a private place). With regard to HIV testing, prisoners have the same rights as people on the outside, but prison medical officers are sometimes forced to breach confidentiality. 5 references.