title: Results of a pilot study of pre-release STD testing and inmates' risk behaviors in an Ohio prison.
abstract: This study presents the results of a pilot study of mandatory pre-release testing for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a behavioral risk survey for male inmates at an Ohio prison. Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to scheduled release, inmates took part in a mandatory blood test and optional genital swab and physical examination to test for STDs. At the time of testing, a voluntary behavioral and knowledge survey was administered to inmates. Pre-release testing identified 53 new cases of STDs among the 916 inmates (5.5%) scheduled for release during the pilot study period. Trichomoniasis and hepatitis C were the most common infections identified through pre-release testing. Nearly all inmates participated in the required blood test. Participation rates for the other testing methods averaged less than 45%. Inmates reported engaging in various risky behaviors during incarceration such as having sex (12.1%), tattooing (36.5%), and drug use (19.5%). Pre-release testing identified several new cases of STDs not identified through existing intake and for-cause testing procedures. Substantial useful information about the prevalence of STD risk behaviors can be obtained through a pre-release survey.
authors: College of Public Health, Center for Health Outcomes, Policy & Evaluation Studies, The Ohio State University, Ohio, OH, USA. csieck@cph.osu.edu
authors: Cynthia J
authors: CJ
authors: Sieck
authors: Allard E
authors: AE
authors: Dembe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011330:Prisons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D014245:Trichomonas Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult