HIV risk after release from prison: a pilot case-control study in Canada, France, Ivory Coast and South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to assess HIV knowledge, risk perception and risk behaviour of ex-offenders at risk of new infection and to compare them with the general population. A case-control interview study was conducted with conveniently sampled ex-offenders and persons with no history of incarceration in four countries (Canada, France, Ivory Coast, South Africa). The total sample included 232 participants with a mean age of 33.9 years (SD=9.8 years). Results indicate various high HIV risk behaviours including multiple sexual partners, irregular sexual partner, and commercial sexual partner. Other risk factors were unprotected sex at last intercourse with a regular partner, with an irregular partner and with a commercial sexual partner. A history of incarceration did not differentiate risk for infection. Younger age, coming from the Ivory Coast, and higher HIV risk perception were found to be associated with HIV risk behaviour. Prevention efforts should focus on education, promotion of safe sex and substance abuse treatment.

Keywords:

• ex-offenders
• general population
• HIV risk behaviour
• Canada
• France
• Ivory Coast
• South Africa

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all ex-offenders who participated in the study, the Social Science and Humanity Research Council of Canada for funding the study and Télé-université, Université du Québec.