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  • Title: [Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of inmates towards AIDS and HIV infection: a survey in a Marseille penitentiary center].
    Author: Delorme C, Rotily M, Escaffre N, Galinier-Pujol A, Loundou A, Moatti JP.
    Journal: Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique; 1999 Jun; 47(3):229-38. PubMed ID: 10422117.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The objectives of our study were to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of inmates toward HIV infection, and to compare them with those reported in the general population and according to injecting drug use. METHODS: Three hundred and seventy persons incarcerated in the prison of Marseille were invited, between December 1995 and March 1997, to answer a voluntary questionnaire offered by an independent staff. Odds ratios were estimated by logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex and type of questionnaire (self-administered for literate, face-to-face for illiterate inmates). The average scores among injecting and non injecting drug users (IDUs) were compared by analysis of variance adjusting for age, sex and type of questionnaire. These scores were also compared with those reported in a national survey (ACSF 1994), after adjustment for age, sex and educational level. RESULTS: The participation rate was 55%. Among the 202 participants, 152 answered a self-administered and 50 a face-to-face questionnaire; 45/202 (22%) were IDUs. The average scores of knowledge and tolerance towards HIV infected people were lower among inmates than in the general population. Furthermore, the scores of uncertainty towards HIV risk and unfavorable opinions about condom were higher than in the general population. While the average scores of knowledge, uncertainty towards HIV risk and unfavorable opinions did not differ between IDUs and non-IDUs, the score of tolerance towards HIV infected people was lower among non-IDUs than IDUs. CONCLUSION: That study shows that in spite of the high prevalence of at risk behaviors among people who are incarcerated, that population is not targeted enough by HIV prevention programs. Furthermore, the low level of tolerance towards HIV infected people among inmates, especially non-IDUs, is very likely an obstacle to health care management in that population with a high HIV prevalence. It is urgent to enhance the equality of access to care and prevention policy inside and outside prison.
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