title: HIV/AIDS behind bars: an avenue for culturally sensitive interventions.
abstract: The prevalence of HIV infection and the incidence of AIDS are higher among prison inmates compared to the general population. Although African Americans and Hispanics constitute approximately 13% and 12.5% of the population, respectively, they are over-represented among the prison population. The current trend in the adult/adolescent AIDS cases among African Americans and Hispanics outpaces that of the white population. The sociodemographic data of HIV/AIDS looks similar to the sociodemographics of U.S. prisons. This suggests that there may be a link between HIV transmission in prison and the current AIDS epidemic in the community. In addition, this high incidence is also a reflection of the high-risk lifestyle of the incarcerated population. High-risk behavior common among the incarcerated and inner city minority communities includes injection drug use, sharing of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and multiple sex partners. HIV transmission risk-reduction efforts such as mandatory screening of inmates, preventive HIV/AIDS education, and appropriate and adequate therapeutic management are essential to curtail the epidemic. However, any HIV/AIDS reduction program for minority communities must include culturally sensitive interventions.
authors.affiliation: Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Houston, The HIV Prevention Center, Texas Southern University, 77004, USA.
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Osemene
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Essien
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Egbunike
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D001741:Black or African American; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011330:Prisons