HIV-RELATED BEHAVIORS IN TRANSITIONAL CORRECTIONAL SETTINGS

Although investigators have studied HIV-related behavior and attitudes in prisons, little is known about HIV/AIDS phenomena in work release or other alternative forms of incarceration. This study examined the s exual- and drug-risk behavior of 270 male drug users in three work-rel ease facilities located in New York City, comparing their self-reporte d risk profiles to findings from studies of related high-risk samples in other settings. The respondents reported lower rates of current dru g use (heroin, crack cocaine, and alcohol), injection drug use, sexual risk taking, and sexually transmitted diseases than did these compari son groups, and the respondents reported comparable rates of condom us e. The rates of most HIV-related risk behaviors in this sample were su bstantially lower than those reported in other studies of comparison p opulations. Explanations for these unexpectedly low rates of self-repo rted risk behavior are offered, and ways in which to overcome practica l and methodological challenges that arise in conducting HIV/AIDS rese arch in transitional correctional settings ate suggested.