AEGiS-15IAC: Some results in HIV/AIDS education in prison.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Some results in HIV/AIDS education in prison.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10063)

Taar M, Ojastu V, Kikas L
Tallinn Prison, Tallinn, Estonia

ISSUES: An avarege number of HIV-infected people in Estonian prisons is higher than in republic's population. Of all inmates (approximately 4700) about 10 % are HIV-infected, women and juvenile form tenth of the HIV- infected in Estonians prisons. The number of HIV-infected inmates in prisons is increasing due to the constant increase of the number of intravenous drug users (IDU's) in Estonia. The most of the IDU's who fall into inprisonment, are already infected by HIV. According to records, the spreading of HIV- infection inside the prison is low, but risk behavior (drugs, sex and tattoos) of inmates is noticeable.

DESCRIPTION: The aim of this thesis is to present review of HIV/AIDS prevention and actions risk reduction in Tallinn Prison. The work started some years ago for all inmates. The HIV/AIDS prevention and educational program can be easily conducted in prisons because the target group is well reachable. Outside of prison it is very difficult to reach them. The most of 1000 inmates in Tallinn Prison are male prisoners and about 10% of them are HIV-infected. The prevention and risk reducation is actively practiced by distributing informational booklets and individual as well as group councelling. Condoms for Tallinn Prison inmates are available for free. The needle exchange program for inmates has not started in Estonia.

LESSONS LEARNED: HIV/AIDS prevention, risk reduction work in Tallinn Prison has been successful: Strained relations between HIV-infected and other inmates have decreased. HIV-infected prisoners search more courageously contact with professionals for psychosocial help. Condoms are not taboo in prison environment any more. New partnership has been established with several non-government organisations which have not been involved in this kind of work before.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Fear and risk in communication between HIV+ and HIV- inmates can be reduced, if they receive health care, information and preventive measures

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Prisons, HIV Infections, Prisoners, Health Education, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, Risk-Taking, Needle-Exchange Programs, Estonia, Humans, Female, Male, prevention & control, education

040711
E10063