Women Prisoners and Female Partners of Male Prisoners
Gaps in Research
- 1.
- Interventions are needed to provide prisoners with prevention information and condoms for at least conjugal visits.
- 2.
- Stemming the rate of incarceration may reduce HIV transmission.
- 3.
- Access to antiretroviral treatment (and minimization of treatment interruption for those with access) is needed in prisons.
- 4.
- Interventions are needed to prevent sexual violence in prison settings.
- 5.
- Pregnant female prisoners who are living with HIV need access to HIV treatment and care for themselves and to prevent of vertical transmission.
1. Interventions are needed to provide prisoners with prevention information and condoms for at least conjugal visits. A study found that prisoners did not have basic information on how condom use reduces likelihood of HIV transmission.
Gap noted, for example, in South Africa (Scheibe et al., 2011).
2. Stemming the rate of incarceration may reduce HIV transmission. Studies found that promoting alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders might reduce HIV transmission.
Gap noted globally (Maru et al., 2007; Altice et al., 2010).
3. Access to antiretroviral treatment (and minimization of treatment interruption for those with access) is needed in prisons. Screening and treatment for TB is needed in prison settings as well. A study found that while one in three participants in HIV services has been in prison, officials report that antiretroviral therapy was available to fewer than one in ten of over 6,000 people with HIV incarcerated in 2009.
Gap noted in Ukraine (Vychavka, 2010 cited in Wolfe et al., 2010).
4. Interventions are needed to prevent sexual violence in prison settings.
Gap noted, for example, in South Africa (Scheibe et al., 2011).
5. Pregnant female prisoners who are living with HIV need access to HIV treatment and care for themselves and to prevent of vertical transmission.
Gap noted globally (Jurgens et al., 2011).