Circulatory system disease was the leading cause of death during the period, accounting for 59 deaths per 100,000 prisoners. Suicide was next, with a rate of 40, followed by homicide and legal intervention, with a rate of 30. In 1987 AIDS became the leading cause of death. Homicides declined after 1980; drug overdose deaths peaked in 1981 and later disappeared. Findings also showed that male inmates have 39 percent lower overall death rates than the general population of Maryland, after adjustment for age and race. Table, figure, and 22 references (Author abstract modified)