Lack of HIV seropositivity among a group of rural probationers: explanatory factors.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in rural America has been described as an epidemic, and the HIV prevalence rate among criminal justice populations is higher than the general population. Thus, criminally involved populations in Southern rural areas are at elevated risk for contracting HIV because of drug and sexual practices; however, little is known about HIV/AIDS in the fastest growing criminal justice population-probationers.


OBJECTIVE
To examine possible explanations for the lack of HIV seropositivity found in a purposive sample of rural probationers.


METHODS
Data were examined from 800 felony probationers from 30 counties in Kentucky's Appalachian region. Measures included HIV prevalence within the 30 counties, migration patterns, HIV knowledge, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors.


RESULTS
These probationers had a high level of HIV knowledge, reported minimal injection drug use, practiced serial monogamy, and reported minimal engagement in transactional sex. However, these probationers also reported negligible condom use, and injection drug users shared needles and works.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest the importance of developing programs targeting safe sex practices in rural areas.
Oser
Carrie B
CB
Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA. cboser0@uky.edu
Smiley McDonald
Hope M
HM
Havens
Jennifer R
JR
Leukefeld
Carl G
CG
Webster
J Matthew
JM
Cosentino-Boehm
Abby L
AL
D000328:Adult; D003415:Crime; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012951:Socialization; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology