Correlates of HIV-risk behaviors among prison inmates: Implications for tailored aids prevention programming

AIDS was first identified among prison inmates in 1983. In 2001, the rate of confirmed cases of HIV infection was four times greater among federal and state prison inmates than in the general population. This study used extensive interviews to assess Illinois prison inmates' sexual and drug-use practices, their knowledge about HIV risk reduction techniques, and their beliefs regarding their own HIV-risk status and their ability to avoid HIV infection. Respondents were classified into risk groups based on their sexual and drug-use behaviors prior to incarceration. Compared to those in the low-risk group, respondents in the high-risk group were more likely to have used or sold drugs and to have lower self-efficacy and perceived-risk scores. Respondents in the moderate-risk group were more likely than those in the low-risk group to be young, to have sold drugs, and to have lower self-efficacy scores. The implications of these differences for HIV-prevention programs tailored by risk profile are discussed.