Correctional Officers' Attitudes Toward AIDS

Abstract

This study examined correctional officers' views and attitudes about working with inmates with AIDS. At three prisons in Texas, 153 correctional officers were administered the AIDS in Prison Scale, the AIDS Attitude Scale, an AIDS/HIV Knowledge Test, and a Homophobia Scale. Correctional officers who had more positive attitudes about people with AIDS, who were more knowledgeable about AIDS/HIV, and who were older were more likely to have more positive views about working with inmates with AIDS/HIV. Most of the officers expressed at least some concerns about working with inmates with AIDS. Education programs that address negative attitudes about persons with AIDS may help improve the conditions of HIV-infected inmates.