AEGiS-07IAC: HIV/AIDS education and intervention strategies within the Massachusetts State prison system.

7th International AIDS Conference

Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

HIV/AIDS education and intervention strategies within the Massachusetts State prison system.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:446 (abstract no. W.D.4235)
Hernandez V, Gagnon T; Bronx AIDS Services, Bronx, N.Y

OBJECTIVE: Provide current and accurate HIV/AIDS information regarding transmission, infection, exposure, attitudes, behaviors, and prevention to state prison inmates (females and males, respectively) taking into account learning abilities; diverse cultural (language and customs) and socio-economic background; and cost limitations of the institution.

METHODS: Working with a captive population that was at high risk for HIV infection we first: Established a baseline of HIV/AIDS knowledge; 2. With inmate input, designed and implemented treatment protocols for HIV infect and AIDS inmates; 3. Peer education program(s) in Spanish and English; 4. HIV/AIDS libraries within already established State Prison Libraries; 5. A resources guide for HIV/AIDS information, services and support; 6. HIV/AIDS video by the peer educators in Carribean Spanish vernacular.

RESULTS: An analysis of the programs implemented indicate a better relationship between HIV infected and non-infected inmates; Participation and attendance indicate a marked interest; Resources provided are used.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Discussion will be concerned with the implementation of such programs at other penal institutions. Cost factor; mobilization of community to defer costs; factors that contribute to the effectiveness of this education and intervention will be discussed.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Prisons, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prisoners, HIV Infections, Delivery of Health Care, HIV Seroprevalence, Massachusetts, Human, Female, Male, prevention & control, nursing, ICA7
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