HIV Infection and AIDS Among U.S. Prison Inmates

• NCJ Number: 156652
• Journal: Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 173-186
• Author(s): C Behrendt; D Vlahov; J P Clark; N Kendig
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA04334; DA05504-01; 88-IJ-CX-0010
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey

Annotation

This article discusses issues related to the high prevalence of HIV infection among prison inmates in the U.S.

Abstract

While only 0.4 percent of the general population in the U.S. is infected with HIV, estimates of prevalence rates among prison inmates are as high as 17 percent in New York State; these estimates vary widely between States. The major risk factor for HIV seropositivity among inmates is intravenous drug use prior to incarceration. Other characteristics significantly associated with being HIV positive include geographic region, age, race, court jurisdiction, and gender. A history of sexually transmitted diseases is another predictor of risk for HIV infection. While most HIV-infected inmates do not have AIDS, they are particularly susceptible to other contagious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. Inmates have a constitutional right to adequate health care, including voluntary HIV testing and treatment to delay the onset of AIDS. 47 references