Relationships between Inmates’ Past Drug Practices and Current Drug Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

A questionnaire used in the measurement of past drug practices and current drug knowledge and attitudes was completed by 200 inmates. Data analysis provided an examination of relationships between the variables. Significant positive correlations were recorded between drug knowledge and drug practices, and between drug knowledge and drug attitude scores. However, a significant negative relationship was noted between drug practices and drug attitude scores. Additional findings are presented regarding inmates’ demographic characteristics and drug variable measures. Implications are discussed for the development of drug education programs in jails and prisons.