Relationships and HIV Risk Among Incarcerated Women

Abstract

HIV risk is a public health concern, particularly for women prisoners who are reentering the community. This article describes findings from focus groups conducted as part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse—funded Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS) cooperative agreement to inform the development of a gender-specific HIV intervention for women. Focus group findings indicate that a woman's HIV risk behavior is influenced by relationships: (a) drug and alcohol use are common in relationships, (b) sex is used as a strategy to manipulate partners, (c) trust is often derived from a perceived long-term commitment, (d) perceived safety is influenced by specific partner characteristics, (e) HIV and other sexually transmitted infections were not viewed as potential consequences of risky behavior, (f) feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth become normalized in problem relationships, and (g) women fear rejection if they ask their partners to use protection. Recommendations for developing a relationship-focused HIV intervention for women prisoners at community reentry are discussed.

Time Since Release from Incarceration and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Women: The Potential Protective Role of Committed Partners During Re-entry

“…It is possible that recall bias or social desirability bias created inaccuracies in the data. Despite these limitations, the prevalence of risk behaviors and incarceration experiences were consistent with previously reported figures [38,68,69]. Lifetime history of psychopathology among individuals in this sample with an incarceration history was similarly high compared to previously reported values among female jail detainees [70].…”

Ebony and Ivory? Interracial dating intentions and behaviors of disadvantaged African American women in Kentucky

“…There are a variety of explanations for these relationships. It is possible that these women have dated outside their race because they face a smaller pool of eligible African American men than the general population of African American women as they may be deemed “less desireable” romantic partners due to their multiple disadvantaged statuses (Oser et al, 2015; Staton-Tindall et al, 2007). Additionally, because interracial relationships are still somewhat stigmatized and are by no means normative, people who have used drugs and been imprisoned already deal with strong social stigma and may be less averse to this form of “deviant” behavior.…”

“…African American women's lack of bargaining power may be magnified when women have multiple disadvantaged statuses, such as having a history of drug use and/or incarceration (Oser et al, 2014; Staton-Tindall et al, 2007). Recently, scholars highlight the importance and need for more within-group research, especially among disadvantaged minority populations (Knight, Roose, & Umaña-Taylor, 2009).…”

Effects of incarceration on risky Sex: focus group data from Two New England states

“…Prison created an environment to help women focus on themselves and work on previously unaddressed issues. Other studies have noted that prison presents a tremendous opportunity for intervention (Leukefeld et al 2012; Mallory and Hesson-McInnis 2013; Scott et al 2004; Staton-Tindall et al 2007). Unexpectedly, women spoke of incarceration as having a positive effect of their subsequent risky sexual behavior.…”