AIDS IN PRISON Introduction This research pap

Studies show that prison populations have a high proportion of inmates infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and many of these have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A potential risk for being exposed to highly infections pathogens, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is found in the prison environment. Infections involved in immunosuppressed AIDS patients are influenced by the prison environment leading to morbidity and mortality. In many correctional systems, AIDS is the leading overall cause of inmate death (Collins, Baumgartner, & Henry, 1995, p. 45; & Gelman, Wolf, Olano, & Linthicum, 1996, p. 1282).

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is the largest prison system in the United States. Over 127,000 inmates are housed in this system; 1,855 of these prisoners are known to be seropositive for HIV-1 and over 1,000 have AIDS. All of these prisoners receive care through a comprehensive AIDS treatment center. In a study of autopsy findings from this population, causes of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients was compared with control subjects (nonincarcerated AIDS patients). Results demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated more frequently in inmates and M avi

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ears does not present an immediate crisis for people who have become accustomed to dealing with day-to-day survival. There is also a pervading attitude that little will be done to address any crisis that blacks face. Black communities have limited resources and training and AIDS education is lacking. Another reason for black ambivalence regarding AIDS is their tendency for homophobia; they have no positive regard for gay and bisexual men. The homosexual black population remains a covert subpopulation, indistinguishable from heterosexual men with their public behaviors. There is also an intense dislike for drug addicts. Blacks tend to be against sex outside of marriage and AIDS is consistent with this traditional moral code (leading to more ambivalence) (Van Vugt, pp. 93-95). HIV/AIDS prevention strategies must be culturally appropriate and this includes ethnic group and social class within the group. There are very clear social class divisions among blacks that result in attitude differences regarding conformity and suspicion of mainstream organizations or individuals. Members of the African American lower class have four different value orientations which include church-centered people, material-oriented individuals, sh
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Approximate Word count = 2535
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)