NCJ Number
134958
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 25 Issue: 4A Dated: (1990-1991) Pages: 533-559
Date Published
1991
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Self-report questionnaires from a sample of 224 incarcerated delinquents quantified associations between drug use, sexual practices, and other behaviors that risk HIV-1 infection.
Abstract
Topics covered in the questionnaire included demographics, sexual experience and orientation, contraceptive practices, knowledge of HV/AIDS-risking behaviors, self-reports of sexual contacts with persons at high risk for HIV or with an HIV infection, personal history of sexually transmitted disease, attitudes and concerns about AIDS, and intentions to change behaviors to reduce HIV risks. Other questions focused on perceived vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease, sexual activity and alcohol/substance use, frequency of alcohol availability at social gatherings, frequency of alcohol and drug use prior to incarceration, and interest in AIDS prevention programming. The findings indicate that the subjects in this sample are at moderate behavioral and attitudinal risk for HIV-1 infection. Many are regular users of illicit drugs, engage in risky sexual practices, and have had contacts with high-risk sexual partners. This study suggests an AIDS prevention program that targets delinquents with irrational assumptions of invulnerability to the AIDS epidemic and with chronic habits of frequent risk taking. 6 tables and 47 references