HIV education in the criminal justice system and protective behaviors

background: The rate of HIV/AIDs in probationers is three times that of the general population. Criminal justice offenders often engage in risky behaviors that put them at risk for HIV infection (e.g., substance use, unprotected sex). methods: This study presents cross-sectional data regarding the association between HIV education (e.g., in-person, video, or written) received in the criminal justice system and subsequent HIV protective behaviors (e.g., condom use, HIV testing, and not using needle drugs). Data was drawn from 298 probationers in two large cities (Dallas, TX and Baltimore City, MD).  results: Chi-squared analyses indicated probationers who received any type of HIV education through their involvement in the criminal justice system were significantly more likely to have been tested for HIV in the previous 12 months than probationers who did not receive any education in the criminal justice system (χ²=9.48, p<.01). Receiving more than one type of education did not significantly improve HIV testing in the previous 12 months (χ²=0.46, p=.32). Probationers who received HIV education were also significantly more likely to report condom use in the previous 6 months (χ²=4.72, p<.05). No association was found between needle drug use and HIV education (χ²=1.61, p=.14). conclusion: These results indicate any type of HIV education within the criminal justice system can reduce HIV risk taking behaviors. Future researchers and policymakers should develop HIV educational interventions for offenders that can intervene in numerous stages of criminal justice involvement to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDs in this population.