Torrance Stephens

Predictors of Prior Incarceration and Alcohol Use Among Soon-to-Be-Released Adult Male Inmates

In the present article, the authors analyze demographic predictors of prior incarceration and self-reported alcohol use among soon-to-be-released adult male inmates. Baseline-level data were collected after a pool of eligible participants was selected. Adjusted odds ratios were computed in concert with their beta coefficients and corresponding values of significance to estimate the strength of the association between selected demographic variables and the outcomes of prior incarceration and alcohol use. Age was observed to be significantly associated with predicting prior incarceration. Age was important but was not significant in the regression analysis (Wald c2 = 3.63, p < .056).

Age-Based Correlates of Substance Misuse Among Convicted Felons in Georgia

Objective: This study sought to identify variables that independently correlate with age and substance use among a sample of 187 convicted felons in Georgia. Results: Results of regression analysis indicated that younger inmates were 2 times more likely than older inmates to report the occurrence of alcohol use (RR 2.07; 95% CI. 37, 11.6) and three times more likely than older inmates to report some history of marijuana use (RR 3.07; 95% CI 1.52, 6.11). In addition, younger inmates were half as likely or less to report using sedatives (RR. 53, 95% CI. 22, 1.29), tranquilizers (RR. 49, 95% CI. 22, 1.29), crack or cocaine (RR. 33, 95% CI. 18,. 62), heroin (RR. 48, 95% CI. 16, 1.25), and to having ever received treatment for a drug problem (RR. 46, 95% CI. 23,. 90). Conclusion: In conclusion, age-based factors correlate with participants history of substance use. Ascertainment of these variables among inmate populations has the potential to improve treatment decisions both during and after incarceration.

Lifetime occurrence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and substance use risk among prerelease South African prison inmates.

The current study examined self-reported history of STI and substance use risk behaviors in a sample of South African prison inmates. Participants were 344 inmates from four prisons in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Significance tests were conducted using univariate logistic regressions to examine the independent associations of Lifetime occurrence of a Sexual Transmitted Infection and dichotomized correlates of substance use risk behavior. Findings showed that inmates in Mpumalanga (OR 1.43; 95% CI 0.90, 2.23) had a greater risk for STIs than inmates in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.88, 1.37). Moreover, past experience using injection drugs (OR 2.34; 95% CI 0.62, 8.88), experience of needle sharing (OR 2.13; 95% CI 0.55, 8.27), and drug/alcohol use leading to problems at school or work were the strongest indicators for inmates having a lifetime STI.

Correlates of HIV/AIDS Problem Behaviors and Incarceration Status Among Inmates in Georgia:

This study examines the relationship between health self-efficacy, measures of sexual risk taking, health communication and negotiation skills, condom use, and substance use behaviors with history of prior incarceration among a sample of inmates in Georgia. The analysis herein is based on the completed survey responses from 188 inmates. The t test or simple chi-square tests were employed to examine differences in participant response means based on prior incarceration status and responses regarding HIV/AIDS problem behaviors for the entire population. The only statistically significant difference between first-time versus repeat offenders was the demographic variable age—meaning that repeat offenders were significantly older than were first-time incarcerated offenders (p < .001). In summary, the authors acknowledge the significance in identifying how a multitude of factors can be explored regarding incarcerated populations to enhance infectious disease interventions for this population.

Predictors of suicide ideation and risk for HIV among juvenile offenders in Georgia

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported thoughts of suicide, HIV risk behaviors and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a sample of adolescent juvenile offenders in Georgia. Participants were 2260 juvenile offenders housed at selected youth development campuses (YDCs) in the state of Georgia. Self-reported measures of suicide ideation, HIV risk, and past occurrence of STIs were collected. Significance tests were conducted using univariate logistic regressions to examine the independent associations of lifetime self-reported thoughts of suicide and dichotomized HIV risk behaviour correlates prior to incarceration. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented. Significant differences were observed between juveniles in several factors for increased risk, including having been previously incarcerated (p<0.04), having had more than five alcoholic drinks in the same day (p<0.007), and having performed oral sex (p<0.028). We suggest that interventions for juvenile offenders that report thoughts of suicide, and that focus on HIV risk reduction should be developed based on the consideration of targeting factors that increase risk to specific STIs.

Self-reported anal sex practice and sexual risk-taking after marijuana use among a sample of Georgia inmates

The primary aim of this study was to examine factors related to anal sex practices and sexual risk-taking among a sample of soon-to-be-released adult male inmates with respect to self-reported HIV/AIDS risk behaviours. This study focused on collecting data from adult male inmates during the period from 2000 to 2003. Baseline level data were collected by project staff after a pool of eligible participants was selected by Department of Corrections personnel. Inmates had to be 18 years of age or older, male, and sexually active. Findings suggest that inmates did not vary much with respect to feeling that they would be less likely to take precautions before having sex after using marijuana. Inmates who reported having anal sex were more likely to indicate that they felt they were better lovers while under the influences of marijuana. Those with a history of anal sex also reported being more likely to do things sexually under the influence of marijuana than they would if they were sober (P < 0.03).

Barriers to Fresh Fruit and Vegetable intake among African Americans in a Southeastern City: Preventive Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Objective: This study summarizes the findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention REACH 2010 intervention’s impact on reducing risk for cardiovascular disease among racial and ethnic groups living in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone (AEZ). In Fiscal Year 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded several health efforts to develop primary prevention programs for the reduction and elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health targeting cardiovascular disease. Methods: Participants (N=244) were recruited from neighborhoods in the Atlanta Empowerment Zone (AEZ) to take part in an intervention designed to reduce risk to Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Chi-square was used to discern linear associations between categorical measures of barriers at assessment periods and regression analysis was conducted to determine the rates at which the stated barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption varied according to gender at both assessment periods. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented along with associated probability values. Results: The analysis also revealed that buying fresh fruit every day (RR 1.5; 95% CI .50, 4.8) and that there is too much waste with fresh fruit as being major barriers to consumption (RR 1.5; 95% CI .45, 5.3). Participants were more likely to show that there was too much waste with fresh vegetables (RR 1.3; 95% CI .38, 4.4) or that they did not have the skills required to select fresh vegetables (RR 1.2; 95% CI .35, 4.0). Conclusions: Findings suggest that interventions can affect barriers related to personal beliefs. However, cost and other economic factors remain difficult to change.