NCJ Number
150923
Date Published
1992
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This study examined Canadian inmates' attitudes and behaviors concerning AIDS from a knowledge perspective.
Abstract
A total of 100 adult male inmates were randomly selected and interviewed. Fifty-five men were sampled from the Metropolitan Toronto West Detention Centre and 45 men from Mimico Correctional Centre. The sample represented 16 percent of the studied adult male prison populations. Inmates were questioned regarding their attitudes toward HIV-infected inmates, correctional staff and community groups, and toward HIV testing. Further, identified high- risk behaviors (prior to incarceration) -- including sexual behavior with and without condom use, intravenous drug use with and without sharing of needles, and tattooing -- were explored. Surveyed inmates had a high level of awareness concerning HIV and AIDS. Incorrect responses, however, revealed gaps in their knowledge, primarily related to myths and misconceptions. Many inmates expressed strong AIDS- phobic and homophobic attitudes. They felt threatened if fellow inmates infected with HIV were in their units/ranges, and they suggested separate living arrangements in prison for infected offenders. Generally, inmates only used condoms with sexual partners they did not know well and stopped practicing safer sex after an average of 1 month. Inmates who injected intravenous drugs tended to share their equipment, mostly with their sexual partners, and commonly cleaned the shared equipment. Inmates with tattoos were generally unaware of the risks involved with HIV transmission when sharing tattoo guns, needles, or inks. An education program should target the gaps in inmates' knowledge, emphasize risk-reduction intervention for life in prison and outside prison, and encourage healthy attitude changes that will decrease their phobic-laden opinions. Tables, figures, and 90-item bibliography