[Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of inmates towards AIDS and HIV infection: a survey in a Marseille penitentiary center].

Background: The objectives of our study were to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of inmates toward HIV infection, and to compare them with those reported in the general population and according to injecting drug use.

Methods: Three hundred and seventy persons incarcerated in the prison of Marseille were invited, between December 1995 and March 1997, to answer a voluntary questionnaire offered by an independent staff. Odds ratios were estimated by logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex and type of questionnaire (self-administered for literate, face-to-face for illiterate inmates).

HBV and HIV screening, and hepatitis B immunization programme in the prison of Marseille, France.

This study estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological markers among inmates and evaluated inmates' compliance with an HBV immunization programme. During the mandatory consultation at the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic of the Marseille Prison (HIV counselling, and syphilis/HIV screening), physicians offered serological testing (anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HbsAg, anti-HIV) and Engerix B vaccination to each entrant. The number participating in the survey is 391/411 (89%); 75% were aged 18 to 35 years and 79% were men; 42% reported having had multiple sexual partners during the last 12 months.

Risk behaviours of inmates in south-eastern France.

This study was set up to compare risk behaviours between IDU and no-IDU inmates and among IDUs and to elicit the differences of preventive and risk behaviours according to sex. It was carried out in the Baumettes Prison, France, from November 16 to December 21, 1992; 295 male and 137 female inmates were interviewed using a self-questionnaire checked by the medical staff. Twenty per cent of participants (85/432) declared to be IDU (heroin); half of them reported needle sharing.

HIV testing, HIV infection and associated risk factors among inmates in south-eastern French prisons.

Objectives: To estimate HIV seroprevalence in the two main remand and short-stay prisons of south-eastern France and to gather linked anonymous risk-factor information.

Setting: Baumettes prison, Marseille, France between 16 November and 21 December 1992.

Participants: Using a self-administered questionnaire about HIV testing and risk factors for HIV infection, 295 male and 137 female inmates were interviewed.