CORRELATES OF HIV AIDS KNOWLEDGE IN A SCOTTISH PRISON SAMPLE/

A sample of 559 inmates in Scottish prisons were administered a 48-ite m HIV/AIDS knowledge questionnaire. High levels of HIV-related knowled ge were associated with: a history of drug offences, having had an HIV test, knowing someone who has had an HIV test, knowing someone who is HIV seropositive, a history of injecting drug use and having a sexual partner who is also an injecting drug user. Inmates who are objective ly at high risk of contracting HIV by virtue of their drug injecting a nd sexual behaviour are also amongst the most knowledgeable inmates, w ith regard to HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, such knowledge does not result in the adoption of risk reduction behaviours. Results are discussed in relation to the heterogeneity of inmate populations and the diversity of their educational needs.