The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44284

Denise Oliver-Velez, PhDc¹, Sherry Deren, PhD², Ann H. Finlinson, PhD³, Jonny Andia, PhD², Hector M. Colon, PhD⁴, and Rafaela Robles, EdD⁵. (1) ARIBBA Project, National Development and Research Institutes, 16 Schoonmaker Lane, Stone Ridge, NY 12484, 845 687-2178, DOlivervelez@hvc.rr.com, (2) National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010, (3) Universidad Central del Caribe, Center for Addiction Studies, P.O. Box 60327, Bayamon, PR 00960-6032, (4) Center for Addiction Studies, Universidad Central del Caribe, PO Box 60327, Bayamon, PR 00960-6032, (5) Center for Addiction Studies, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, PO Box 60327, Bayamon, PR 00960-6032

Objectives: This paper will examine HIV injection and sexual risk behaviors of Puerto Rican injection drug users (IDUs) and crack smokers during incarceration in New York and Puerto Rico, and highlight factors contributing to both risks and deterrents. Methods: This paper is based on a study of Puerto Rican IDUs and crack smokers, conducted in East Harlem, NY and Bayamón, PR and utilizes qualitative data collected in focus groups and in-depth ethnographic interviews, and survey results of 1200 drug users. Results: Qualitative results indicated the importance of the role played by membership in the Association Ñeta, a Puerto Rican prison-based group perceived as a “gang” by correction officials, but viewed as a resistance and support organization by its members. The Ñetas have strongly enforced sexual codes of behavior called normas, which may reduce sexual transmission risks, due to harsh reprisals against rape in prison. There is a higher rate of prison injection drug use among members, and inmates in modules controlled by members, which tends to offset any gains in sexual risk reduction. Survey results indicated that a higher proportion of the island sample joined a gang while incarcerated (70% vs. 27%, p < .001) and IDUs in PR were more likely to inject while incarcerated (31% vs. 12%, p<.001). Conclusions: Efforts to involve gang members in HIV prevention should be implemented, and findings should be disseminated to correction officials.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn to recognize HIV risks associated with incarceration.
• They will be able to assess the differences between sexual and injection risks, and understand the relationship of gang membership to risk behavior.
• By the end of the session participants will be able to develop intervention strategies that can be applied both within and outside of the jail and prison system.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Correctional Institutions

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.