NCJ Number
166328
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 256-277
Date Published
1997
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Because little is known about HIV/AIDS phenomena in work release and other alternative forms of incarceration, even though investigators have studied HIV-related behavior and attitudes in prisons, this study examined the sexual and drug risk behavior of 270 male drug users in three work release facilities located in New York City.
Abstract
The study compared self-reported risk profiles with findings from studies of related high-risk samples in other settings. An assessment questionnaire was administered to study participants to obtain information on demographics, drug use, sexual behavior, and sexually transmitted diseases. Respondents reported lower rates of current drug use (heroin, crack cocaine, and alcohol), injection drug use, sexual risk taking, and sexually transmitted diseases than comparison groups but reported comparable rates of condom use. Rates of most HIV-related risk behaviors in the sample were substantially lower than those reported in other studies of comparison populations. Explanations for the unexpectedly low rates of self-reported risk behavior are offered, and ways to overcome practical and methodological challenges that arise in conducting HIV/AIDS research in transitional correctional settings are suggested. 66 references