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Objective: To describe the social features of the Jamaican prison context that may influence inmates' perception of and participation in HIV/AIDS services.Methods: A purposive sample of 25 inmates incarcerated in the largest male adult correctional center in Jamaica participated in a series of two in-depth interviews. Content analysis was employed to explore interview texts and identify salient themes.Results: "Prisonization" as described by Clemmer and aspects of Sykes' model of deprivation are important to inmates' perspectives on HIV service provision in this context. Stress due to incarceration, limited access to social support, and the constant fear of violence limited participants' perception of their ability to cope with HIV infection. Fear of social rejection due to HIV stigma was a primary concern, and was linked to stigma against homosexuality. Participants reported a concern about confidentiality and access to medical care in the prison context.Conclusion: Provision of HIV services that address social and psychological factors important to HIV-related behavior change, testing, treatment and care require a restructuring the prison environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]