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| Study looks at inmates' 'high-risk behaviors' |
| By Bend.com |
| Published: 05/24/2004 |
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High-risk behaviors are less prevalent in Oregon's prisons than most national estimates, according to findings of a study released last Thursday by the state Department of Corrections. In October 2003, the agency commissioned a study to determine the prevalence of tattooing, body piercing, IV drug use and sexual activity within its prisons. The study, in part, was built on discussions with the Cascade Aids Project and others concerned about prisons and public health. "The safety of the public, our staff and inmates are of primary importance to us, and that includes public health," said Corrections Director Max Williams. "We were uncertain of the degree to which high-risk behaviors are a problem in our prisons, so we decided to ask the question. "We recognize the role prisons potentially have in the spread of contagious diseases," he explained. "For instance, we know that diseases such as hepatitis and HIV are transmitted through shared needles and unprotected sex, so we needed to first determine the extent of the problem in our own state rather than relying on national statistics." Researchers working on behalf of the Department of Corrections conducted random-sample surveys of 236 men and 97 women at 11 state prisons. Inmates were asked about receiving and giving tattoos, receiving body piercing, IV drug use, and consensual and non-consensual sexual activity. With the exception of rape, these behaviors are voluntary. Many people admitted to prison already have communicable diseases as a result of their high-risk behaviors in the community. "The Department of Corrections has effective strategies in place to control high-risk behaviors," explained Don Grossnickle, the principal researcher. "Contrary to popular opinion, the incidence of these activities is considerably lower for people while incarcerated than during the period prior to incarceration." Most prisoners will eventually return to their communities. In Oregon, about half of the prison population will be released within 24 months, and approximately 95 percent will eventually be released. "If diseases are transmitted among prisoners through high-risk behaviors, it is logical that reducing these behaviors would help limit the spread of disease in prison and our communities upon release," Director Williams said. The study showed that the frequency of high-risk behaviors for male inmates is greatest for tattoos, followed by sexual activity, body piercing and IV drug use. For female inmates the most common high-risk behaviors, in order, include sexual activity, tattooing, body piercing and IV drug usage. |
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