The following presents a research document on the effects of AIDS and drug addiction on prison populations in the last five years. A discussion of HIV/AIDS in prison populations and related effects as well as national trends is presented. An analysis of trends and programs used by correctional systems to deal with this growing problem is provided. One unique program that is not already in place to combat HIV/AIDS among prisoners is suggested. This is followed by conclusions.
HIV/AIDS and Drug Addiction in Prison Populations
Nation and worldwide, HIV and AIDS in prisons remains a problem. HIV is found more often in prison populations compared to the general population and prisons provide a high risk situation that promotes HIV transmission. HIV positive inmates fail to receive the care they need and while HIV testing is mandatory in some prisons, this is viewed as a breach of human rights. It is estimated that up to 25% of all Americans who live with HIV have been incarcerated (Avert, 2011). By the end of 2008, 21,987 inmates in state or federal prisons were reported to be HIV positive or had AIDS which was 1.5% of the total prisoner population. Of this prisoner group, 1.5% (20,075) were male inmates and 1.9% (1,912) were female inmates in state or federal prisons. By the end of 2008, 5,733 state and federal prisoners were reported to have confirmed AIDS and in 2007, 130 state and federal prisoners died from AIDS-related issues (DrugWarFacts, 2011; Maruschak, 2009).
Drug use and in particular injecting drug use (IDU) is common in prison populations and this is linked to HIV/AIDS. IDUs have an increased risk of HIV infection and are more likely to be HIV infected compared to other prisoner populations. Since prisons lack HIV prevention measures, IDU poses a greater threat for HIV transmission among prisoners (Avert, 2011). It is estimated that up to 1.2 million inmates are drug and alcohol abusers and...