HIV Prevention and Education in State Prison Systems

Abstract

The prevalence rate of HIV infection in jails and prisons is approximately 5 times the rate in the U.S. general population. The authors surveyed state prison officials to assess HIV testing and HIV prevention policies--specifically voluntary testing, group HIV prevention counseling, and peer education--in the 50 states and to determine whether those policies are associated with the characteristics of the state and its prison population.

“Inside These Fences Is Our Own Little World”: Prison-Based HIV Testing and HIV-Related Stigma Among Incarcerated Men and Women

“…First, intensified HIV education and counseling efforts are needed. Although most correctional facilities provide some form of education about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) as part of the intake process (Lyons, Osunkoya, Anguh, Adefuye, & Balogun, 2014), little is known about the intensity or effectiveness of these educational programs. Many participants in the current study completed a one-hour informational class on HIV as part of their prison intake process.…”

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

“…Other studies addressed HIV prevention concerns, such as harm reduction recommendations for policy (Parts, 1990; Zunker, 2012) and segregated housing for HIV-infected prisoners (Jacobs, 1995; Larsen, 2007). A recent survey of testing and prevention policies in state prisons found that direct and one-to-one programs, such as HIV counseling, were more common than group-level and harm reduction programs (Lyons et al, 2014). …”

“…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).…”

“…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). Lyons and colleagues’ (2014) survey of state prison programs in the U.S. showed that 16 states reported having a peer education program in their facilities. However, none of these peer education programs included harm reduction approaches to reduce HIV risk-taking behaviors such as providing clean syringes or injection drug equipment or widely distributing condoms for inmates.…”

“…However, none of these peer education programs included harm reduction approaches to reduce HIV risk-taking behaviors such as providing clean syringes or injection drug equipment or widely distributing condoms for inmates. In addition, little is known about using opioid treatment for HIV prevention interventions in prisons (Lyons et al, 2014). Harm reduction programs in correctional state facilities are urgently needed; there are close to 2000 state prisons and over 100 federal prisons nationwide and 1.4 million people are currently incarcerated in those facilities.…”