Prevalence of antibody to HIV-1 among entrants to US correctional facilities

Article Abstract:

Infection of jail and prison inmates with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), resulting in AIDS, is a major public health problem. AIDS has become the leading cause of death in several different correctional facilities. By November of 1989, there were 5,411 reported cases of AIDS among prison inmates in the US. Studies performed within the New York State prison system have indicated that intravenous drug use prior to entering prison is the most common method of exposure to HIV-1. To determine the prevalence of HIV-1 infection among individuals who are about to enter prison, HIV-1 antibody testing (a means of identifying infection) was performed on 10,994 consecutive entrants to 10 different correctional facilities in the US. The results indicated that HIV-1 infection was related to gender, race, geography, and type of facility (prison or jail). In 9 out of the 10 facilities, HIV-1 infection was more prevalent among women than men. The incidence of infection ranged from 2.1 percent to 7.6 percent for men, and from 2.5 percent to 14.7 percent for women. HIV-1 infection was found in approximately 2 percent of the men and 5 percent of the women under the age of 25, and in 5 percent of the men and women over the age of 25. Infection rates were lower among whites (2.5 percent) than among nonwhites (4.8 percent). The incidence of HIV-1 infection was greater in those who were entering jails (5.1 percent) than those entering prison (3.5 percent). These results indicate that facilities with large numbers of incoming male and female inmates who are over the age of 25, female and under the age of 25, or belong to racial minority groups, should be given high priority for the use of limited resources for treating HIV-1 infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Risk factors, HIV infection, HIV infections, AIDS (Disease), AIDS (Disease) in prisons

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Suicide mortality in the Maryland State Prison System, 1979 through 1987

Article Abstract:

Prisoners are known to commit suicide more frequently than members of the community at large. Suicides in the Maryland state prison system were studied to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for inmate suicide. Thirty-seven men committed suicide between 1979 and 1987, a rate of forty suicides per hundred thousand male inmates per year. Even when race and age are taken into account, this rate is much higher than the rate in the general population of Maryland, which is 22 per 100,000 people per year. Being white doubled the risk of suicide, being between the ages of 25 and 34 multiplied the risk by a factor of 1.8, having committed a major crime against a person multiplied the risk by 3.4, having a life sentence multiplied it by 4.7, and living in the major maximum security prison in the state multiplied it by 5.1 . Eighty-six percent of the suicides were by hanging, five percent by a cutting wound, five percent by an antidepressant overdose, and three percent by jumping from a height. Inmate suicide is a significant public health problem; mental health care professionals should be involved in the intake process and preventive measures should be taken. Further research should broaden the scope of the study, analyze the effects of factors such as institution, type of crime and length of sentence, and evaluate the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs.

Psychological aspects, Statistics, Suicide, Maryland

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Psychoactive substance use disorders among seriously injured trauma center patients

Article Abstract:

A substantial percentage of trauma victims may have a substance abuse disorder. Interviews of 1,118 trauma victims at one hospital revealed that 62% had a current diagnosis of drug or alcohol dependence. Half of those with a positive blood alcohol test were alcohol dependent and 39% of those with a positive urine drug test were drug dependent. Alcohol dependence was equally common among ethnic groups but other drug use was more common among non-whites. Trauma victims who test positive for drug or alcohol use should be referred for treatment.

Injuries, Diagnosis, Substance abuse, Drug addicts, Drug abusers, Alcoholics

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