Reducing HIV risk among women visiting their incarcerated male partners

Abstract

Prisoners are at increased risk for HIV infection. Consequently, their sexual and needle-sharing partners are also at increased risk. Partners of incarcerated men are a hidden at-risk population in the community. Prison visiting is an opportunity to identify and provide services to members of this population. Thirty women visiting their incarcerated partners at a large state prison in California participated in focus groups that led to the development of a peer-led HIV education intervention. Eighty-six women completed baseline surveys, 81 completed postintervention surveys, and 67 were followed 1 month after the intervention. Although women visiting their incarcerated partners are generally well-informed about HIV transmission and prevention, interventions addressing their specific emotional and informational needs are necessary to motivate and to assist them in reducing their risk for HIV infection.