Abstract
This study sought to identify variables that independently correlate with sexual outcome expectations among a sample of 187 convicted felons in Georgia. Trained interviewers collected data from study participants after explaining the purpose of the study and obtaining informed consent. Relationships between individual sexual outcome expectation variables and other demographics were examined using multiple linear regression models. Models specified self-reported sexual outcome expectation regarding a given infectious disease risk as an outcome with selected variables. Respondents’ age was a predictor of using condoms each time they had sex (Beta = 0.15, P < 0.04) and limiting the number of sex partners (Beta = 0.19, P < 0.008). Incarceration history (first time versus prior incarceration) was significantly associated with using and/or requesting that their partners use condoms each time they had sex (p < 0.03), and being able to ask partners about their sexual history (p < 0.03). Our findings imply that interventions to prevent infectious diseases among inmates should address education and illicit substances specifically in sexual situations so as to better understand the nature of risk practices and sexual behavior among this group. Key words: Outcome expectations, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk, inmates, sex.
Highlights
Infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are both expensive and principal public health problems in the United States and are even more so among incarcerated populations (Lang and Belenko, 2001; Harris et al, 2002; Narevic et al, 2006; Stephens et al, 2002)
Incarceration history was significantly associated with using and/or requesting that their partners use condoms each time they had sex (p < 0.03), and being able to ask partners about their sexual history (p < 0.03). This variable approached significance for discussing safer sex practices with their partners ( p < 0.07) and asking their partners if they have or have had an STI (p < 0.09). In this cohort of inmate’s, several variables including race, age and incarceration history were associated with several individual outcome expectations related to sexual risk practices
Of note was that education, albeit not a significant correlate of any of the individual outcome expectations for this sample changed the direction of the sample distribution below the median with the exception of “engaging in sexual activity after drinking.”
Summary
Infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are both expensive and principal public health problems in the United States and are even more so among incarcerated populations (Lang and Belenko, 2001; Harris et al, 2002; Narevic et al, 2006; Stephens et al, 2002). Rates of STIs are substantially higher in prison populations than in the public worldwide (Massad et al, 1999; Clarke et al, 2001). Many of these studies that examine inmate populations and psychosocial and behavioral constructs tend to look at overt behaviors.
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