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Prediction of HIV-1 Coreceptor Usage (Tropism) by Sequence Analysis using a Genotypic Approach
Published on: December 1, 2011
HIV risk behaviour correlates among injecting drug users in Greek prisons
G Koulierakis1, C Gnardellis, D Agrafiotis
1Department of Sociology, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece.
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|November 25, 2000
Summary
Prisoner drug use correlates include time served and prior convictions. HIV risk behaviors are linked to incarceration length and drug history, necessitating targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Injecting drug use (IDU) within correctional facilities poses significant public health risks.
- Understanding the factors associated with IDU in prison is crucial for developing effective harm reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify correlates of injecting drug use among inmates.
- To explore factors influencing HIV risk behaviors within the prison environment.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional study was conducted in ten Greek prisons.
- Anonymous, voluntary self-report questionnaires were administered to 861 male inmates, collecting data on demographics, penal history, and drug use.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant correlates of injecting drug use in prison.
Main Results:
- 33.7% of inmates reported lifetime injecting drug use, with 60% of those injecting while incarcerated.
- Among those who injected in prison, 83% shared injecting equipment.
- Significant correlates of injecting drug use in prison included total time in prison (17% increased risk per year), previous drug convictions (twice the likelihood), and being a convicted inmate.
Conclusions:
- Inmate characteristics and their prison career significantly influence HIV risk behaviors.
- Interventions should address incarceration frequency, duration, and access to detoxification programs to reduce high-risk behaviors among injecting drug users (IDUs) in prison.
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