Risky Relationships: Targeting HIV Prevention for Women Offenders

• NCJ Number: 239550
• Journal: AIDS Education and Prevention Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 339-349
• Author(s): Carl Leukefeld; Jennifer Havens; Michele Stanton Tindall; Carrie B. Oser; Jennifer Mooney; Martin T. Hall; Hannah K. Knudsen
• Date Published: August 2012
• Length: 11 pages
• Contract Number(s): U01 DA16205
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses HIV health issues for women offenders who are at particularly high risk.

Abstract

HIV is a health issue for women offenders who are at particularly high risk. Women's prisons can be opportune settings for HIV prevention interventions. How women perceive partner relationships could be central to targeting HIV interventions. Consequently, this study examines changes in women offenders' risky relationships. Baseline and follow-up data are presented from 344 women offenders. Intent-to-treat analysis is used as well as analysis of covariance to control for baseline values. Findings indicate that women released to the community from prison who were randomized into the prevention intervention were significantly more likely to report changes in five of seven risky relationship thinking myths. Findings suggest that a relationship theory-based prevention intervention for reducing HIV risk could be promising for women offenders reentering the community after prison. Additional research is suggested. (Published Abstract)