Use of protective barriers and unprotected sex among adult male prison inmates prior to incarceration

Abstract

Research documents the challenges associated with preventing HIV/AIDS among prison inmate populations. This paper describes the predictors of protective barrier use and unprotected sexual intercourse among a sample of adult male inmates. Descriptive and scale information was collected on several variables using standard response formats. All major substance use constructs (marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol use) were assessed in terms of consumption prior to incarceration. T-tests were employed to evaluate the level of marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol use in general, as well as with particular respect to sexual situations. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the use of the substances, length of incarceration, and other demographic variables were associated with the frequency of reporting use of a protective barrier. The findings note that total years in prison, and marijuana and cocaine use were associated with inmates' risk behaviours. Marijuana and cocaine use were statistically significant predictors of risky sex behaviours.