Prisoner Risk Taking in the Russian Federation

For a pilot prevention program in Russian prisons, Médecins Sans Frontières conducted research on prisoner risk behaviors with full support from Russian prison authorities. Analysis of data from 1,044 15-30-year-old prisoners produced evidence of HIV/AIDS risks in prisons. One percent of prisoners surveyed reported all three prison risk activities--engaging in sex, injecting drugs, and getting a tattoo. Two-by-two table analysis consistently showed statistically significant associations between risk activities. These results conservatively describe the presence and nature of such risks: Risks do occur, risks vary and the relationships between risks vary, and Russian prisoners already take steps to reduce risk. This evidence helps to justify and informs HIV/AIDS prevention and health promotion interventions in the Russian prison system.