Levels of Knowledge and Risk Perceptions About HIV/AIDS Among Female Inmates in New York State: Can Prison-Based HIV Programs set the Stage for Behavior Change?

Abstract

This study investigates levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, self-reported precarious behaviors leading to an increased risk for HIV infection, and perceptions of future behavior modification among adult female inmates in the AIDS Counseling and Education (ACE) Program at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the only maximum security prison for women in New York State. The analyses show a statistically significant increase in knowledge following the workshops. Comparisons made between groups determined which participants benefited the most from ACE's program. Methodology, study limitations, implications for program change, future research, and the difficulties of conducting research in a correctional facility are discussed.