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Improving Knowledge, Attitudes, and Testing for Communicable Diseases Among New York State Inmates

Division of HIV Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York

Sarah J. Walker, MS

Division of HIV Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, sjwalker72{at}earthlink.net

Kumara Singaravelu, MBBS, MPH

New York County Health Services Review Organization, Albany, New York

Robert Fiore, RN

Ulster Correctional Facility, Napanoch, New York

Linda Klopf, BSN, MSEd

New York State Department of Correctional Services, Albany, New York

Minda J. Hubbard, MSN, ANP-C

Division of HIV Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York

Abigail Gallucci

Division of HIV Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York

Punkin Clay Stephens, PA, MPhil

School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York

Lester N. Wright, MD, MPH

New York State Department of Correctional Services, Albany, New York

To improve knowledge of and encourage testing for HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases among inmates, Albany Medical College and the New York State Department of Corrections developed a peer-led videotape and comic-book-style pamphlet. Inmates assigned to an intervention group viewed the videotape and pamphlet and completed pre- and posttest questionnaires; a control group did not. Both groups completed a risk assessment and testing request form. Analysis sought to detect testing request differences between groups and changes in disease knowledge among intervention group participants. Although more intervention participants requested testing, the differences were not statistically significant. After viewing the videotape, significantly more inmates agreed that communicable diseases are treatable (78.3%), that not all have symptoms (70.8%), and that a positive diagnosis is not a death sentence (82.5%). Videotapes and pamphlets can improve inmate knowledge, information retention, attitudes, and requests for communicable disease testing.

Key Words: HIV • communicable diseases • education • prevention • peers • correctional health

Journal of Correctional Health Care, Vol. 14, No. 4, 290-298 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1078345808322614


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