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.
References
1.
Barton, W.I.1982Drug histories and criminality of inmates of local jails in the United States (1978): Implications for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug abuser in a jail setting. International Journal Of Addiction, 17,3: 417-444.
2.
1980Drug histories and criminology: Survey of inmates in state correctional facilities, January 1974. International Journal Of Addiction, 15,2: 233-258.
3.
Brewer, T.F., D. Vlahov, E. Taylor, D. Hall, A. Munoz, and B.F. Polk1988Transmission of HIV-1 within a statewide prison system . AIDS, 2: 363-367.
4.
Celentano, D.D., T.F. Brewer, M.A. Sonnega, and D. Vlahov1990Maryland inmates' knowledge of HIV-1 transmission and prevention: A with the U.S. general population. Journal Of Prison And Jail Health.
5.
Chronis, P.G., and K. Simpson1989Prisoners with AIDS may shed isolation. Denver Post, March 15.
6.
Coughlin, T.A.1988AIDS in prisons: One correctional administrator's recommended policies and procedures. Judicature, 72:, 63.
7.
Craig, R.J.1980Characteristics of inner city heroin addicts applying for treatment in a veteran administration hospital drug program. International Journal Of Addiction, 15,3: 409-418.
8.
Hammett, T.M.1988AIDS In Correctional Facilities: Issues And options. National Institute of Justice. Washington, D.C.
9.
Horsburgh, C.R., J.Q. Jarvis, T. McArthur, T. Ignacio, and P. Stock1990Seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus in prison inmates. American Journal of Public Health, 80: 209-210.
10.
Hunt, D.E., S. Moini, and S. McWhan1990Confidentiality, legal, and labor relations issues. In M. Blumberg ed., AIDS The Impact On The Criminal Justice System, Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing Company226-243.
11.
Johnson, R.1987Hard Time Understanding And Reforming The Prison. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
12.
Kelley, P.W., R.R. Redfield, D.L. Ward, et al. 1986Prevalence and incidence of HTLV-III infection in prison. Journal Of The American Medical Association, 256, 2198-2199.
13.
Langer, J.1969Theories Of Development. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.
14.
Maddux, J.E., and R.W. Rogers1983Protection motivation and self-efficacy: A revised theory of fear appeals and attitude change. Journal Of Experimental Social Psychology, 19: 469-479.
15.
Moore, M.H., and M.A.R. Kleiman1989The police and drugs. Perspectives On Policing (No. 11). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.
16.
Rogers, R.W.1975A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change. Journal Of Psychology, 91: 93-114.
17.
Rogers, R.W.1983Cognitive and psychological processes in fear appeals and attitude change: A revised theory of protection motivation. In J.T. Cacioppo and R.E. Petty eds. Social Psychophysiology. New York : Guilford153-176.
18.
Rogers, R.W., and C.R. Mewborn1976Fear appeals and attitude change: Effects of a threat's noxious-ness, probability of occurrence, and the efficacy of coping responses . Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology, 34: 54-61.
19.
Sykes, G.M.1956The Society Of Captives A Study Of A Maximum Security Prison . New York: Random House, Inc.
20.
Toch, H., K. Adams, and J.D. Grant1989Coping Maladaptation In Prisons. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.
21.
Vlahov, D., B. F. and Polk1988Intravenous drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in prison. AIDS Public Policy Journal, 3: 42-46.
22.
Walker, S.1989Sense And Nonsense About Crime A Policy Guide2nd Ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
23.
Weinstein, N.D.1988The precaution adoption process. Health Psychology, 7,4: 355-386.
24.
Zimmerman, S.E., R. Martin, and D. Vlahov1991AIDS knowledge and risk perceptions among Pennsylvania prisoners. Journal Of Criminal Justice, 19: 239-256.
