HIV, HCV, and HSV-2 among African American women across criminal justice status

Background: There are limited scientific data identifying linkages between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), the Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 2 (HSV-2), substance misuse and criminality among African American females. This study examines health disparities between African American females in prison and those on probation.

Methods: Longitudinal data are being collected from 400 African American women in prison and on probation. Biological specimens are collected to test for HIV, HCV, and HSV-2. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses distinguish health disparities between women prisoners and probationers.

Results: While the average participant was 34 years old, prisoners had less education and were more likely to be currently married, identify as bisexual, and have more children. Probationers reported a higher lifetime prevalence of alcohol and drug problems, but self-reported less frequent recent substance use. No participants self-reported or tested seropositive for HIV. Also, no prisoners self-reported having ever been told they had HCV or HSV-2; however 11% of probationers reported having HCV and 5% reported having HSV-2. In the biological testing, probationers were more likely to test positive for HCV antibodies (19% compared to 13%) than prisoners, but less likely to test positive for HSV-2 (33% compared to 44%).

Conclusions: There are differences in health status between African American women in prison and those on probation, with prisoners being less likely to know their serostatus. Further study of health disparities among African American women across criminal justice status may inform intervention programs.