Inmates completed a survey of their attitudes towards HIV-infected inmates, correctional staff and community groups, and HIV testing. The survey also explored the prevalence of high-risk behaviors (prior to incarceration), including sexual intercourse with and without condoms, intravenous drug use with and without needle-sharing, and tattooing. Respondents included adult male inmates on remand and serving both short- and long-term sentences. The results showed that, while inmates had a high level of knowledge about AIDS, they still believed some common myths and misperceptions about the disease. Many inmates expressed strong AIDS-phobic and homophobic attitudes and believed that HIV-positive inmates should be housed in separate facilities. The survey results showed that inmates used condoms only when engaging in intercourse with partners they did not know well, and that safe sex practices were discarded after about one month. Inmates who were intravenous drug users tended to share equipment, particularly with sexual partners. Tattooed prisoners were generally unaware of the risks involved in that practice. 14 figures, 18 tables, and 90 references