Concerns have been raised over the prevention of HIV infection and AIDS among inmates and over risks to correctional staff, including health care providers, counselors, and correctional line staff and their families. Several strategies have been suggested to prevent and control HIV infection and AIDS in the correctional setting. These strategies include mandatory testing of inmates for HIV, segregation of infected inmates from the general prison population, denial of conjugal visit privileges, and consideration for early release or parole. The need for comprehensive strategies aimed at the prevention and control of HIV infection and AIDS in correctional facilities is emphasized. Such strategies should address the following: need for unbiased and factually correct information about HIV infection and AIDS for both inmates and staff; need for scientifically and ethically sound protocols to prevent or at least minimize the spread of HIV infection in correctional institutions; need for psychological counseling for both inmates and staff and their families to deal with the fear of becoming HIV seropositive and the issue of coping with AIDS in the event it is diagnosed; and need for appropriate protocols to meet the health care, living, and work requirements of inmates and staff who are HIV positive or who have AIDS. 51 references and 3 tables (Author abstract modified)