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Results of a Pilot Study of Pre-release STD Testing and Inmates’ Risk Behaviors in an Ohio Prison

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Abstract

This study presents the results of a pilot study of mandatory pre-release testing for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a behavioral risk survey for male inmates at an Ohio prison. Approximately 4–6 weeks prior to scheduled release, inmates took part in a mandatory blood test and optional genital swab and physical examination to test for STDs. At the time of testing, a voluntary behavioral and knowledge survey was administered to inmates. Pre-release testing identified 53 new cases of STDs among the 916 inmates (5.5%) scheduled for release during the pilot study period. Trichomoniasis and hepatitis C were the most common infections identified through pre-release testing. Nearly all inmates participated in the required blood test. Participation rates for the other testing methods averaged less than 45%. Inmates reported engaging in various risky behaviors during incarceration such as having sex (12.1%), tattooing (36.5%), and drug use (19.5%). Pre-release testing identified several new cases of STDs not identified through existing intake and for-cause testing procedures. Substantial useful information about the prevalence of STD risk behaviors can be obtained through a pre-release survey.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to recognize and thank the following individuals for their contributions to this study: Annette Chambers, John Gardner, Ramon Perez, and Kevin Runyon of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections; Dr. Herbert Estis and Julia Estis, L.P.N., who performed medical testing; and Carol Smathers, Lenora Evans, Ellen Klink, and Viral Patel of The Ohio State University who assisted with administrative support and data input.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Public Health, Center for Health Outcomes, Policy & Evaluation Studies, The Ohio State University, Ohio, OH, USA

    Cynthia J. Sieck Ph.D & Allard E. Dembe Sc.D.

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  1. Cynthia J. Sieck Ph.D
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  2. Allard E. Dembe Sc.D.
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Correspondence to Cynthia J. Sieck Ph.D.

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Sieck, C.J., Dembe, A.E. Results of a Pilot Study of Pre-release STD Testing and Inmates’ Risk Behaviors in an Ohio Prison. J Urban Health 88, 690–699 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9565-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-011-9565-6

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