Sexual behaviour of male inmates of a detention facility in Singapore: risks of intraprison human immunodeficiency virus transmission
Lee, J.T.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 24(5): 685-690
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 8579310 Document Number: 451226
Sexual urges and needs do not cease merely upon the incarceration of an individual. They continue to exist in varying degrees in different individuals. This study looks into the sexual behavior of all the male inmates of a detention facility in Singapore, both before and during their incarceration. In the advent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), high risk behaviors are investigated with the view to applying the results towards the formulation of policies on prevention of intraprison transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Taking masturbation as an expression of the degree of sexual needs, the three high risk groups for HIV infection sbd the promiscuous heterosexuals, the homosexuals/bisexuals and the intravenous drug users sbd had higher in-detention masturbation rates than the others. In addition, those incarcerated for 180 to 360 days up to the day of the study had higher masturbation rates than those incarcerated for less than 180 days and longer than 360 days. In-detention homosexual behaviour was also demonstrated in this study. Recommendations include health education programs on AIDS and risk reduction and removal of the prohibition on masturbation. Mandatory HIV testing and segregation of high risk or HIV-positive inmates are not recommended.