NCJ Number
163743
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 20 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1995) Pages: 8-21
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes information and data from the Corrections Compendium 1995 survey with regard to inmate health care, with attention to female inmates and the AIDS dilemma.
Abstract
The survey on inmate health care found an average female inmate population percentage of just over 5 percent. There is a lack of specific cost information for female inmate health care. Although 42 U.S. correctional systems responded to the survey, fewer than half reported specific costs for female inmates, thus hindering any quantitative analysis of data. Respondents indicated that health care services for women are generally comparable to men's services. Most provide OB/GYN treatment and testing, as well as prenatal and postpartum care for pregnant inmates. Other services for inmate mothers include parenting classes, and visitation rights for children of inmates. All responding systems test inmates for the AIDS virus, but testing is largely voluntary. Compared to 1993 data released by the Justice Department in May 1995, current levels of infection among inmates have leveled off. Forty respondents reported 19,039 inmates known to be HIV positive or confirmed as having AIDS. Most respondents do not segregate inmates with AIDS. The most common preventive measure is education. A table on female inmate health care and services provides the following information and data for each system surveyed: percentage of inmates who are female, cost of women's services (total, per inmate, compared to men's), women's services provided, number of new pregnant inmates (1994), births since 1990, whether newborns stay with inmates and duration, and maternity and postnatal services. Other tables provide information and data on AIDS/HIV testing, inmate infection rates, and AIDS/HIV expenditures and policies for each jurisdiction.