NCJ Number
134243
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1991) Pages: 145-151
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines the AIDS knowledge and related behavioral patterns of intravenous (IV) drug users admitted to prison in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Abstract
The subsample (158) of IV drug users was taken from a larger sample (527) of inmates. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the subjects between February and May of 1989. The questionnaire covered knowledge of basic facts about AIDS, how it is transmitted, blood donation experiences, sexual behavior patterns, awareness of and experiences with the blood tests for the AIDS virus, perceived effectiveness of selected preventive measures, self-assessed chances of contracting the AIDS virus, and willingness to take an AIDS test. Questions also pertained to general behavioral patterns, the extent to which behaviors were changed due to AIDS knowledge, and the types of printed and electronic media read and listened to by IV drug users. Although the IV drug users in the sample were generally knowledgeable about AIDS and its transmission, they had exerted only minimal effort to curb behaviors at high risk for the transmission of AIDS, i.e., sexual intercourse with other IV drug users, blood donations, and the use of unsterilized needles. Most viewed their risk for personally contracting AIDS as minimal. These findings indicate that IV drug users must be persuaded that their behaviors place them at increasing risk for contracting AIDS. Data indicate that the most effective outlet for AIDS information to the IV drug user is the radio, particularly stations that play rock and soul music. Television movies and sports programs were also frequently watched by the subjects. 3 figures and 20 references