Joining the front line against HIV: an education program for adult probationers

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education program for adult offenders. Samples of Cook County (Chicago) probationers were educated about either HIV or heart disease in small group and in one-on-one sessions. The evaluation employed a 2 x 2 factorial design. Data were collected at 3 points in time: during a pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Results showed that offenders' knowledge of HIV was increased significantly at posttest and follow-up. Although the HIV presentation increased knowledge significantly, it had little impact on HIV-related behavioral intentions at posttest or on actual prevention behaviors at follow-up. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to HIV education programs in criminal justice settings.