The Need for Empowering Women Prison Inmates: Addressing Gender-Specific Issues Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases in a Vulnerable Population
Billy Long, Paige Redifer

Abstract
One hundred fifty-five female prison inmates were surveyed in a northeastern state using a modified version of the AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire. Knowledge of female-specific symptoms, opinions, and general elements about HIV/AIDS was measured. It was found that women were familiar with general symptoms of HIV infection but were very deficient concerning issues that affect them exclusively. Women also harbor dangerous attitudes concerning their sex partners and AIDS prevention. Recommendations include modifying prison-based AIDS education programs to address knowledge deficits as well as including assertiveness training to encourage safer behaviors among women.

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