Parolees behaving badly: Exploring ways to decrease risky behavior among parolees in the community

Substance Use and Sexual Behavior among Men Prior to Parole Revocation: Prevalence and Correlates

From Journal of Correctional Health Care 

Police officers are always trying to control the misconduct of those who are on parole in order to control crime in the community, but what types of behaviors land them back in jail and what can law enforcement officials do about it? This article discusses how to target the most common risky behaviors among specific groups of parolees in order to lower crime in the community. 126 state-prison inmates were interviewed who had been reincarcerated due to parole violations. These ex-parolees were asked about their behavior throughout the three-month period prior to their parole revocation. The researchers found that throughout this period of time, a majority of men shared two things in common: drug use and sex with multiple partners.

The authors wrote, “Our findings further document the need to focus effort on the prevention of substance abuse and sexual risk behavior among men who are on parole.” The researchers stated that certain prevention programs could be created to target the behaviors among specific types of men on parole. Two thirds of people released from prisons in the United States are reincarcerated within three years, many for substance use violations. This reveals that current prison treatment programs do not effectively enable men to avoid drug relapses after they are released from prison.

Abstract

Abstract

Men’s risk behavior during a 3-month period prior to parole revocation was assessed. Frequent alcohol use was higher among men who had more children, were homeless, or had a history of alcohol and other drug abuse treatment. The use of drugs was greater among men who were younger or had a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). The use of hard drugs was higher among men who had history of injection drug use. Unprotected vaginal or anal sex was increased among men who were younger, single, or had a history of STIs. Sex with a high-risk partner was greater among men who were older, used hard drugs, or had a history of STIs. Findings highlight the importance of developing risk-reduction programs for men on parole.

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Article details
Seal, D., Parisot, M., & DiFranceisco, W. (2012). Substance Use and Sexual Behavior Among Men Prior to Parole Revocation: Prevalence and Correlates Journal of Correctional Health Care DOI: 10.1177/1078345811435322

Tags: HIV risk, men, parole, sexual behavior, substance use