AIDS Education in U.S. Prisons: A Survey of Inmate Programs

Abstract

Prisons and other correctional environments are in many ways optimal settings for the development, delivery, and study of AIDS education and prevention programs. Prior research has shown such programs to be widespread, but little is known about their impact. This article presents findings from a recent nationwide survey of AIDS education efforts in U.S. prisons. Results (a) provide baseline information about major program variations that evaluators must take into account and (b) serve as a catalyst for discussion of the types of questions that require their attention.

Aids Education Needs Assessment: A Comparative Study of Jail and Prison Correctional Officers

“…A review of responses to the survey questions reveals generally high levels of knowledge among the COs. A majority answering with the preferred or correct response (denoted by the asterisk) to the 20 questions measuring basic HIV/AIDS knowledge was recorded for 18 ofthe questions. This indicates high levels ofbasic knowledge about transmission ofthe disease, and these findings are consistent with the HIV/AIDS education literature (e.g., Hecht, Corman, & Miller-Rassulo, 1993;Hogan, 1994;Keeton & Swanson, 1998;Martin, Zimmerman, & Long, 1993). There are, however, troubling patterns in these Table 1 data that are also consistent with the HIV/AIDS education literature.…”

Levels of Knowledge and Risk Perceptions About HIV/AIDS Among Female Inmates in New York State: Can Prison-Based HIV Programs set the Stage for Behavior Change?

“…Without a cure, education still appears to be our best preventative measure in response to the growing number of inmates infected with HIV in correctional facilities. Few facilities, however, have provided comprehensive programming (CDC, 1996;Hammett et al, 1999) and even fewer have conducted studies to determine the effectiveness of their programs on inmates (Martin, Zimmerman, & Long, 1993). Hammet et al (1999) defined comprehensive programming to embody "instructor-led education, peer-led programs, pre and posttest counseling and multi-session prevention counseling" (p. 27).…”

HIV risk inside U.S. prisons: a systematic review of risk reduction interventions conducted in U.S. prisons

“…Nearly all of the studies in this category were concerned with educational programs, whether led by peers or professionals; peer education was highlighted as particularly beneficial (Ayanwale, 2008; Boudin et al, 1999; Clark & Boudin, 1990; Collica, 2002, 2007; Martin, Zimmerman & Long, 1993; Lyons et al, 2014; Martin et al, 1995; Grinstead, Faigeles & Zack, 1997; Ross, 2006; Scott et al, 2004; West & Martin, 2000). Education programs were found to be effective in informing incarcerated men and women about HIV transmission and risk behaviors, and changing attitudes and beliefs (Ayanwale et al, 2008; Boudin et al, 1999; Grinstead, Faigeles, & Zack, 1997; Ross et al, 2006; Scott et al, 2004).…”

“…These interventions had positive effects on a variety of key outcomes including HIV knowledge, intentions to change risky behaviors, perceived risk of infection, coping and social support, and HIV test rates (Ayanwale et al, 2008; Boudin et al, 1999; Bryan et al, 2006; Collica, 2007; Grinstead et al, 1997; Lyons et al, 2014; Martin et al, 1993; Martin et al, 1995; Ross et al, 2006; Scott et al, 2004; St Lawrence et al, 1997; West & Martin, 2000; West, 2001). One evaluation of a risk reduction program for women inmates suggested that communication skills were just as important to reducing HIV risk as knowledge of HIV and safe sex, as women with these skills were better able to negotiate with sex partners (St Lawrence et al, 1997).…”