Correlates of sexual outcome expectations and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among male inmates in the United States

Abstract

Torrance Stephens1* and Ronald Braithwaite2

This study sought to identify variables that independently correlate with sexual outcome expectations among a sample of 187 convicted felons in Georgia. Trained interviewers collected data from study participants after explaining the purpose of the study and obtaining informed consent. Relationships between individual sexual outcome expectation variables and other demographics were examined using multiple linear regression models. Models specified self-reported sexual outcome expectation regarding a given infectious disease risk as an outcome with selected variables. Respondents’ age was a predictor of using condoms each time they had sex (Beta = 0.15, P < 0.04) and limiting the number of sex partners (Beta = 0.19, P < 0.008). Incarceration history (first time versus prior incarceration) was significantly associated with using and/or requesting that their partners use condoms each time they had sex (p < 0.03), and being able to ask partners about their sexual history (p < 0.03). Our findings imply that interventions to prevent infectious diseases among inmates should address education and illicit substances specifically in sexual situations so as to better understand the nature of risk practices and sexual behavior among this group.