AT RISK FOR HIV-INFECTION - INCARCERATED WOMEN IN A COUNTY JAIL IN PHILADELPHIA

This study presents the results of a needs assessment survey conducted with 66 incarcerated women in a large Philadelphia county jail during the winter of 1993. Results indicated that prior to incarceration, th ese women engaged in very high risk sexual and drug use behaviors, and had experienced a myriad of other problems that may contribute to the ir risk for HIV infection. Of the 66 women who participated in the stu dy, over three-fourths had used crack cocaine, nearly one-half had tra ded sex for drugs or money in the six months prior to incarceration, o ne-third reported a prior history of injection drug use, and one-half reported sexual contact with a male partner who injected drugs. In add ition, one-fourth of the study sample had been homeless during the yea r prior to incarceration, one-half reported a prior history of sexual abuse, three-fourths had been physically beaten by a boyfriend or spou se, and nearly one-half had a prior history of syphilis. Although limi ted in scope, the results of the study have important implications for developing relevant jail-based HIV risk reduction programs for women. The results provide strong evidence for the need for interventions th at address not only the HIV-related risk behaviors of incarcerated wom en, but also the underlying social problems that contribute to their r isk of HIV infection.