Background: In 1998, 1.8 million persons in the United States were in prison or jail; the number of persons arrested each year is estimated at twice that. Little is known about the risk for communicable diseases among the larger population of persons who are arrested and are likely to return to the community in a short period of time. Methods: For the ADAM program, volunteer arrestees are interviewed anonymously, by persons not in law enforcement, regarding drug use and crime history, and provide a urine specimen that is tested for drugs. The HIV addendum includes questions on risk behaviors and screening. We piloted the HIV addendum in Florida with male arrestees in 1999. Results: Of the 191 arrestees who completed the ADAM survey, 135 (71%) completed the HIV addendum and comprised our sample. Nine (7%) respondents reported they had ever injected drugs and 6 of them had ever shared needles. By self-report, 80% of respondents had been tested for HIV, 75% for tuberculosis, and 11% had a hepatitis vaccine. Nearly all (93%) respondents were sexually active in the past 12 months. Condom use at last sex was reported by 42 (47%) of 90 respondents who had sex with a steady partner and 21 (72%) of 29 respondents who had sex with a non-steady partner. Conclusions: These findings indicate a high prevalence of risk behavior among arrestees. Screening programs appear to be reaching this population; the period of detention may be an important opportunity to deliver prevention programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to 1. Articulate the major public health issues in corrections populations 2. Describe the ADAM program and the HIV addendum 3. List the major risk and testing behaviors among the arrestee sample
Keywords: Prison, Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.