Correlates of HIV/AIDS problem behaviors and incarceration status among inmates in Georgia

Abstract

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. © 2007 Sage Publications.