Drug Use and Multiple Sex Partners Among Homeless Ex-Offenders

Abstract

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.

Examining factors associated with unprotected sexual behavior among Black Americans postrelease from incarceration in New York City

“…At the univariate level, the odds of engaging in unprotected sex were higher among participants who used illicit drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, which has been observed in previous research examining HIV risk behaviors post-incarceration (L. M. Adams et al, 2013; Nyamathi et al, 2016; Ricks et al, 2015; Zhu et al, 2015).…”

Current Age, Age at First Sex, Age at First Homelessness, and HIV Risk Perceptions Predict Sexual Risk Behaviors among Sexually Active Homeless Adults

“…Participants were asked to report the number of people they had any kind of sex with in the past 12 months. Responses were dichotomized to 4 or more partners or fewer than 4 to align with the literature on multiple sexual partners and allow for comparisons with other studies and populations [ 7 , 16 ].…”

“…Other HIV risk behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners and concurrent sexual partners are prevalent among homeless populations, including ex-offenders and street-involved youth [ 15 , 16 ]. In a study of homeless men from Los Angeles [ 17 ], almost 40% reported multiple concurrent sex partners, i.e., having sex with more than one person around the same time, which is a known risk factor for HIV [ 18 ].…”

Correlates of Treatment Readiness Among Formerly Incarcerated Homeless Women

“…Developed nearly 25 years ago, the CHSCP model (Nyamathi, 1989) is based on the Lazarus Schema of Coping and Adaptation (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and the Schlotfeldt Health Seeking and Coping Paradigm (Schlotfeldt, 1981). The CHSCP has been well utilized by the authors for decades and has been tested with homeless populations who have participated in intervention programs designed to enhance HAV/HBV vaccination treatment compliance (Nyamathi et al, 2015), and reduce drug and alcohol use (Nyamathi, Zhang, et al, 2016).…”

“…The CHSCP has been well-utilized by the authors for decades and has been tested with homeless populations who have participated in intervention programs designed to enhance hepatitis A and B virus vaccination treatment compliance (A. Nyamathi et al, 2015) and reduce drug and alcohol use (A. M. Nyamathi, Zhang, et al, 2016).…”