Education attainment but not literacy is associated with HIV risk behavior among incarcerated women

Michael K. Paasche-Orlow, Jennifer G. Clarke, Megan R. Hebert, Moira K. Ray, Michael D. Stein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the educational factors associated with HIV risk behaviors among incarcerated women. Methods: We evaluated a cohort of female detainees at The Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute between July and September 2004. Among the 423 women who participated in the study, 55% did not have a high school diploma, 29% had ≤8th grade reading capacity, 32% had a learning disability, 37% had problem drinking, and 61% (257/423) reported HIV risk behavior. Results: In multiple logistic regression, participants who had completed high school had the lowest likelihood of HIV risk behavior (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-1.00). There was no association between participants' literacy level and HIV risk behavior (adjusted OR 2.02, 95% CI 0.83-4.92). Conclusions: Correctional education programs to reduce HIV risk behavior should focus on those with low educational attainment irrespective of literacy skills.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)852-859
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Women's Health
Volume14
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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