The question of HIV management in prison has been an ongoing issue, fraught with contradictions and litigation. Policies and correctional management of inmates have stemmed from erroneous beliefs and myths regarding HIV. Inmates who have AIDS or are HIV seropositive evoke special concerns and considerations unique to correctional settings. This article defuses the myths associated with HIV, utilizing current knowledge to address issues regarding the demographics and methods of transmission, various considerations regarding mandatory testing, confidentiality, and segregation policies and health care, specifically as they relate to HIV and AIDS in prison. Alternative programs to decrease high-risk behavior are discussed. With the prevalence of AIDS rates in the inmate population exceeding that in the general population, such concerns cannot be ignored nor can policies be based on unfounded beliefs. Correctional settings house a population that is known for high-risk behavior for transmission of HIV.
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