Adopting Precautions Against HIV Infection Among Male Prisoners: A Behavioral And Policy Analysis

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Abstract
This analysis examines the potential impact of prison-based AIDS education programs by integrating data collected at a minimum-medium security institution in the Pennsylvania State Department of Corrections into Weinstein's (1988) model for adopting precautionary behavior. Expectations concerning the potential for behavior change are used to assess the viability of changing HIV risk behavior through prison-based AIDS education programs. We conclude that such behavior change is in fact possible, but highly unlikely. Behavior change is inhibited by a series of constraints in the prison environment that preclude the effective implementation of AIDS prevention activities. In addition, a variety of factors create a lack of political commitment to prison-based AIDS education efforts. As a result of these impediments, the primary contribution of these programs to date has been their prophylactic effect against staff and inmate litigation.