Recently-released homeless women residing in temporary residential drug treatment programs are at a critical juncture in the process of recovery, transition and reentry. The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing initial use of drugs and relapse triggers among a sample of incarcerated women exiting jails and prisons, and who are residing in a residential drug treatment (RDT) program and preparing for reentry into their communities. Among this population, relapse to drug use and recidivism are common. A qualitative study was conducted utilizing focus groups to understand the perspectives of formerly incarcerated, currently homeless women residing in a RDT program. Content analysis generated the development of three broad categories: a) factors associated with first drug use; b) factors involved in relapse; c) factors influencing desire to remain drug free. A discussion follows highlighting the importance of targeted interventions at RDT sites that integrate physical, psychological and social needs to optimize reentry into communities. This would include a focus on building self-esteem, life skills, and providing access to resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare.

A cross-sectional examination was conducted on Quality of Life (QOL) among Women Living with HIV (WLWH) in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. Baseline data were collected from 400 WLWH and their children. QOL was measured with 10 items from the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Findings revealed low QOL scores; on a scale from 0 to 3, the mean QOL score was 0.38 (SD = 0.30). Depression symptoms were reported by 25.5%, internalized stigma was high, and most reported little to no social support. Multivariable analysis revealed positive associations between QOL and CD4+ T cells (b = .0011, p = .021) and social support (b = .260, p < .0001) and a negative relationship between QOL and internalized stigma (b = −.232, p < .0001). Interventions focused on improving QOL for WLWH should incorporate strategies to improve social support and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, while mitigating internalized stigma.

Despite the availability of cure for hepatitis C virus (HCV), people experiencing homelessness (PEH) are challenged with initiating and completing HCV treatment. The design of culturally sensitive HCV treatment programs is lacking. The objective was to employ community-based participatory research methods to understand perceptions of HCV-positive PEH, and providers, on the design and delivery of a culturally sensitive, nurse-led community health worker (RN/CHW) HCV initiation and completion program. Four focus group sessions were conducted with HCV-positive PEH ( n = 30) as well as homeless service providers (HSP; n = 7) in Skid Row, Los Angeles. An iterative, thematic approach provided the themes of essentials of successful participant engagement and retention: Role of nurse-Led CHW in promoting: (a) tangible and emotional support; (b) cognitive and behavioral support; and (c) financial and structural resources. The goal of this study is to provide the groundwork for future research of HCV program design to support HCV cure among homeless populations.

Background Transitioning into society after release from incarceration presents real challenges for male offenders; in California, up to 60% return to prison within three years following release. The risk for ongoing drug use and having sex with multiple sex partners is a significant challenge for ex-offenders preparing to enter the community. Objectives The aims are to describe drug use and sexual behavior (sex with multiple partners) prior to incarceration and six and 12 months following study enrollment using data obtained as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods This is a planned secondary analysis of data obtained as part of an RCT designed to study the effects of intensive peer coaching and nurse case management, intensive peer coaching, and brief nurse counseling on hepatitis A and B vaccination adherence compared to a usual care control treatment that also included brief peer coaching and brief nurse counseling. Self-report data from subjects enrolled at one residential drug treatment facility in Los Angeles were captured at three time points: baseline, and six- and 12-month follow up. Results Findings showed substantive and significant reductions in drug use and engaging in sex with multiple partners six months following enrollment into the study compared to the baseline data, but results did not differ by study condition. At 12-month follow up, drug use and sex with multiple partners increased, but remained less than at baseline levels. Discussion Sustaining reductions in drug use and engaging in sex with multiple partners remains a challenge following incarceration.