Conclusion

Although available data are very incomplete, it appears that rates of STDs
and hepatitis B and C are higher among inmates than in the overall
population. Hepatitis C positivity rates are particularly high among
HIV-positive inmates and those with histories of injection-drug use. More
widespread implementation of hepatitis B immunization and screening for
hepatitis C in correctional facilities seem warranted.

Endnotes

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The Epidemiology of
Viral Hepatitis in the United States,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report 43 (1994): 437-455.

2. J.D. Ruiz and J. Mikanda, Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C and Risk Behaviors Among Inmates Entering the California
Correctional System, Sacramento: California Department of Health
Services, Office of AIDS, HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Branch (March
1996): 1, 9, 12.

3. K.P. Fennie et al., “Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence and Seroincidence
in a Cohort of HIV+ and HIV- Female Inmates,” poster abstract no.
Tu.C.2655, presented at the 11th International Conference on AIDS,
Vancouver, July 9, 1996.

4. L.Y. Lior et al., “A Look Behind Closed Doors: Injection and Sexual
Risk Behaviour and HIV, HBV and HCV Inside a Canadian Prison,”
poster abstract no. 23528, presented at the 12th World AIDS Conference,
Geneva, June 30, 1998.

5. Thomas Conklin, Hampden County Correctional Center, unpublished
data.