Correlates of HIV/AIDS problem behaviors and incarceration status among inmates in Georgia.
This study examines the relationship between health self-efficacy, measures of sexual risk taking, health communication and negotiation skills, condom use, and substance use behaviors with history of prior incarceration among a sample of inmates in Georgia. The analysis herein is based on the completed survey responses from 188 inmates. The t test or simple chi-square tests were employed to examine differences in participant response means based on prior incarceration status and responses regarding HIV/AIDS problem behaviors for the entire population. The only statistically significant difference between first-time versus repeat offenders was the demographic variable age-meaning that repeat offenders were significantly older than were first-time incarcerated offenders (p < .001). In summary, the authors acknowledge the significance in identifying how a multitude of factors can be explored regarding incarcerated populations to enhance infectious disease interventions for this population.
Stephens
Torrance T
TT
Master of Public Health Program, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310, USA. tstephens@msm.edu
Braithwaite
Ronald
R
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005845:Georgia; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking