HIV /AIDS

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, BEHAVIOR AND PRACTICES IN PRISONERS

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed at document the knowledge, attitude, behavior and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among prison
inmates in Balochistan. It also elicited risk factors of HIV/AIDS transmission in prisoners. Design: A cross sectional study. Setting
& Duration: Three prisons at Mach, Quetta and Turbat were included in study which was conducted from January 1 to May 31 st st
2002. Patients & Methods: The study comprised of an interview session using a well structured questionnaire to seek information
about their social data, their knowledge about HIV/AIDS including its transmission and preventive social data, their attitude, and
their indulgence in HIV/AIDS risky behavior. Besides. HIV screening was also carried out in volunteer inmates. HIV screening was
done by WHO recommended Strategy II. Results: Of a total of 1900 prison inmates in three prisons. 1437(75%) agreed to
volunteer for the counsel. The majority 81% of the respondents were in the age group 30-50 years. About 1193 (83%) of the
respondents had heard about AIDS although only 302(21%) had known or seen someone with AIDS in the past. About 575 (40%)
knew the correct mode of transmission of AIDS. Only 115 (8%) had knowledge about preventive measures. Of 1437, 933 (65%)
were tested for HIV voluntarily. Seven (0.75%) came out to be HIV positive. Conclusion: Almost all the prisoners studied, had
heard of HIV/AIDS although only a few had seen or known a case of AIDS. Inspite of the fact that many of them knew the correct
modes of transmission, many indulged in high risk behaviors for HIV transmission. There is a considerable proportion of receptive
jail inmates who stand the risk of being infected due to their high level of ignorance about HIV/AIDS. Communication programs
on AIDS with such formidable support structures as the provision of harm reduction devices and risk reduction counseling are
urgently recommended for the prisoners in Balouchistan to effectively combat the imminent HIV/AIDS epidemic among the prison
inmates.