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Examining HIV-Related Knowledge Among Adults and Its Consequences for Institutionalized Populations

NCJ Number
170393
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 84-87
Author(s)
D E Merianos; J W Marquart; K Damphousse
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines AIDS- and HIV-related knowledge among adults and its consequences for institutionalized populations.
Abstract
Research indicates that knowledge about HIV and AIDS is highly influenced by age, socioeconomic status, gender, race, and ethnicity. These findings, however, have not been linked to the prison setting. To prevent the spread of AIDS, broad-based education and prevention measures must be directed at those persons who represent the "feeder" population for correctional institutions--young, poor, undereducated, minority group males. In addition, the state has a compelling interest in the education of prisoners about the risks of unprotected sex or drug use in prison and in the outside world. Ninety percent of all prisoners are eventually released back into the community. If prisoners are exposed to and infected with HIV/AIDS while incarcerated, they will in all probability pass the disease on to others in the noninstitutionalized population once released. The prison could be an appropriate setting in which to study the social context of sexual risk behavior among high-risk individuals. References