Sexual Risk Behavior, Drug Use, and STD Rates Among Incarcerated Women

Objective: To present a profile of long-term incarcerated women in two southern states. Methods: 472 women responded to interview questions assessing their arrest histories, STD rates, sexual risk behaviors, and drug/alcohol use. Results: Lifetime sexual behaviors were risky and drug use was high: 38.9% had been told they had an STD over the course of their lifetimes. Current risk behaviors were fewer: 17.8% of incarcerated women were sexually active while incarcerated (mostly with other women), and reported drug use was low. Conclusion: The drop in the number of risk behaviors among long-term incarcerated women presents an opportunity for risk reduction interventions aimed at post-release.