Torrance T. Stephens

Risks Associated with Tattooing and Body Piercing

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of including cosmetic body-piercing and tattooing in HIV prevention and education. Little information about risks associated with tattoos or having ones body pierced is evident in the health promotion and disease prevention literature, particularly among adolescents, ethnic groups, and incarcerated populations. It is incumbent that preventionists address behaviors such as tattooing and body piercing as possible vectors for HIV transmission in addition to typical concerns (homosexuality, IV drug use, condom use and safer sex practices). This article draws attention to the need for formation of regulatory policy issues related to body piercing and tattooing parlors. Currently, 26 percent of the states have regulatory authority over tattooing establishments, while only 4 states exercise such authority over body-piercing establishments. Implications for future research and policy initiatives are identified.

Short-term Impact of an HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for Soon-to-be Released Inmates in Georgia

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an intervention seeking to reduce risk for HIV/AIDS infection among a sample of soon-to-be-released adult male inmates. This analysis is based on a random sample of 116 adult male prisoners recruited and interviewed prior to their participation in an HIV/AIDS and recidivism risk reduction intervention and again three months after they were reintegrated into the community. The intervention program was designed to reduce risky sexual behaviors and alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related behaviors. It had a randomized, Latin-square design to evaluate adult male offenders across four conditions. Findings indicate that the intervention for the inmate population was effective in reducing sexual self-expectation and substance use and increasing condom use self-efficacy over a three-month period.

Transsexual orientation in HIV risk behaviours in an adult male prison

The present study examined the consequences of being a self-reported transsexual male and HIV risk behaviours in a state penal system. The specific research question was whether or not sexual orientation of inmates influences the level to which they evidence HIV risk behaviours. A total of 153 participants volunteered to participate in the study of which 31 described themselves as being transsexual. Based on risk ratios and using transsexual inmates (TIs) as the reference group, they were 13.7 times more likely to have a main sex partner while in prison [95% CI=5.28, 35.58]. Moreover, TIs were 5.8 times more likely than non-transsexual inmates (NTIs) to report having more than one sex partner while in prison [95% CI=2.18, 15.54]. It is obvious from these findings that TIs require more preventive support than their NTI confederates. In addition to TIs being protected from assault and battery by NTIs, they need social support and carefully developed preventive informational materials.

Transient Populations: Linking HIV, Migrant Workers, and South African Male Inmates

Risk factors associated with the spread of HIV are common among South Africa’s transient populations—migrant workers and prisoners. Social ills in South Africa have yielded a growing transient population. Importantly, the migrant workers and prisoners in this population are likely to subscribe to masculine beliefs. Migrants have proven to be an effective bridge in the spread of HIV from high-risk to low-risk populations. Although a relationship between the populations has yet to be established, the circumstances of migrant camps are similar to those of prison camps. Given the high levels of HIV in South Africa and the parallels between migrants (a population whose great HIV threat to the general community has already been established) and prisoners, the integration of former male inmates into the community may pose serious public health concerns.

A Community-Based Approach to Eliminating Racial and Health Disparities Among Incarcerated Populations: The HIV Example for Inmates Returning to the Community

To underscore the public health risk involved, as well as the extent to which HIV infection rates disproportionately affect racial/ethnic populations in prison settings, the authors briefly review a current approach that is being implemented in four selected sites located in the southeastern region of the United States. Moreover, the authors present these observations in terms of HIV infection and how health professionals may be able to curb the spread of this and other infectious pathogens among primarily incarcerated African American and Latino male inmates. Based on a peer education model, the authors outline several practice implications for dealing with this population, which include (a) making provisions for case management, (b) building capacity and increasing the participatory role of community agencies, (c) focusing on the significance of ethnicity and cultural competency in prison culture, (d) implementing youth-specific models, and (e) applying a holistic approach.

Correlates of inmates' self-reported HIV/AIDS risk behaviors, prior incarceration, and marijuana use

The primary purpose of this study was to determine associations between measures of prior incarceration and marijuana use with self‐reported HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among a sample of soon‐to‐be‐released adult male inmates. Analyses presented exclusively involve calculating two multiple logistic regression models to test the study hypothesis. The general model specified self‐reported marijuana use as an outcome with selected demographic variables including ethnicity, age, education, and income prior to incarceration as predictor variables. Significant bivariate associations were recorded for age, education, and sexual self‐expectation with respect to reincarceration. Specifically, the least amount of education reported, the more likely study participants were to have been incarcerated more than once.

Behavioral Predictors of Intended Sexual Behavior among a Sample of African American Undergraduates.

The research reported herein tested the prediction of intended sexual behavior among a sample of African American college students.from self-reported past sexual behavior, selecteddemographic attributes, and sociobehavioral variables. This study is guided by the hypothesis that selected demographic and sociocognitive variables, in addition to past sexual behavior, can predict intended sexual behavior over an ensuing 12-month period. Demographic variables included gender, age, and whetherparticipants had been treatedfor a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sociocognitive variables included prevention practices, stigma associated with HIVIAIDS, social distance, repressive attitudes, perceived susceptibility, barriers to risk reduction, and knowledge. Questionnaires were collected from 1,593 students. Intended sexual behavior yielded a regression coefficient of .59. The results provide considerable support for gender, sexual practices, and past sexual behavior in the past 12 months as being viable predictors of intended sexual behaviors among this sample.

Enhancing Participation of Women of Child-Bearing Age in a Literacy for Health Project in Southeastern Nigeria

This paper summarizes the approach of a ‘literacy for health project’ in southeastern Nigeria to recruit and maintain participants. Literacy for health projects enhance and develop the educational abilities of women while at the same time acting as a vehicle to combat the problems associated with maternal and child health. We describe ways to foster and enhance the participation of women of child-bearing age in a literacy for health project operated in Igbo-speaking southeastern Nigeria. Findings reveal that of four literacy centres, participation rates ranged from 50.35% to 61.1%. We maintain that efforts designed to impart the transference of literacy and numeracy skills to such women in southeastern Nigeria must: (a) address the farming needs, practices and operations of the target community prior to programme implementation; (b) consider the inclusion of counsellors in addition to traditional village health workers and/or literacy instructors; (c) determine the impact of using other sites based on community activities; as opposed to traditional locations such as schools and churches; (d) use incentives to motivate participants; and (e) extend the current level of participation beyond focus groups to planning beyond curriculum development.

Child Survival and Baseline Surveys: A Description of Literacy Rates of Women of Child Bearing Age in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria

The results of a literacy need assessment conducted in eight autonomous communities, four from both Abia and Imo States, is presented and discussed. Data were obtained via survey interview and administered to 209 and 235 subjects respectively for Abia and Imo States. The information was collected to form a baseline level of operation prior to the Literacy for Health Intervention implemented by Africare/Owerri and the Imo State Ministry of Health. Results suggest both similar and varied trends regarding literacy abilities of participants and their attitudes regarding adult literacy instruction in the samples from both communities. This study emphasizes the literacy needs items of the survey. Findings support the need for literacy for health interventions in these areas and confirm the need for interventions to improve literacy skills and enhance the quality of life of families living in these communities. It is anticipated that data obtained regarding baseline assessments and interviews may be used to examine the long-term effectiveness and impact of literacy for health care activities under the auspices of child survival projects.

Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) Risk Associated with Beliefs about Virginal Sex and Perceived Social Norms among Inmates in KwaZulu Natal

This study examines the association between self-reported beliefs of primarily Zulu speaking inmates regarding virginal sex and its perceived utility for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STIs and its impact of perceived social norms regarding sexual activity. This exploratory study was conducted to identify bivariate correlates of beliefs regarding having sex with virgins among men who were incarcerated in two prisons in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Findings are based on self-reported data obtained from 180 participants. The mean age of the inmates was 28.14 (SD=7.57) years of age. This exploratory study of inmates housed in KwaZulu Natal prisons found that in general, the belief that sex with virgins can cure HIV/AIDS is marginal if that among this population, yet still has a profound impact on perceived social norms regarding sexual behavior among this inmate population. Original Research Article Stephens et al.; ISRR, Article no. ISRR.2014.2.008 126