HIV, STD, and hepatitis risk behaviors of young men before and after incarceration

Abstract

High rates of HIV, STD and hepatitis and associated risk behaviors have been documented among persons entering correctional facilities. However, there is a paucity of data on risk behaviors after release from custody. This study documents risk behaviors and informs intervention development targeting young men leaving incarcerated settings. We enrolled and interviewed 106 men from five prisons up to 60 days prior to their release from prison and interviewed them again four times after their release (at 1-week, 1-, 3- and 6-months). At enrollment, men were 18-29 years of age. Nearly 54% identified as African American, while 27% identified as White, 10% identified as Hispanic/Latino and 10% identified as "other". Approximately 83% had been incarcerated multiple times, 37% reported a prior STD diagnosis and their mean lifetime number of sex partners was 36 (median = 20). Many reported multiple sex partners and inconsistent condom use after release. A significant decrease in condom use during vaginal sex with primary committed female partners and in oral sex with both committed and casual female partners after release from prison were reported from 1-6 months. These young men are at sexual risk of HIV, STD and hepatitis infection after release from prison. Interventions are needed to prevent this population from acquiring and transmitting HIV, STD and hepatitis.

Prevalence and correlates of alcohol dependence in adult prisoners vary according to Indigenous status

“…Evidence suggests that to be effective, such interventions should not be limited to manualised, abstinence-oriented education programs in prison, but should involve individualised support that continues after the prisoner has returned to the community. 13,27,[32][33][34] Also consistent with previous research, [5][6][7] in this study the prevalence of alcohol dependence was significantly higher among Indigenous than non-Indigenous prisoners. In the wider community Indigenous people are more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to abstain from alcohol altogether, however those who do drink are more likely to do so excessively.…”

Directly Observed versus Self-administered Antiretroviral Therapies: Preference of HIV-Positive Jailed Inmates in San Francisco

“…This is particularly relevant given the deleterious effect of short-term incarceration and release on virologic outcomes [42][43][44] and the high frequency of self-reported HIV-related risky behaviors of newly released HIV-positive inmates. [25][26][27][28][29][30] The dilemma facing providers in correctional facilities is how to best deliver therapies. An objection to starting chronic treatments in these facilities is that rates of treatment continuation after release are low.…”

“…Data show that the proportion of those who continue ARVs immediately after release is low, 16,[20][21][22][23][24] which is particularly important, as the postrelease period is a time of high-risk behaviors. [25][26][27][28][29][30] The need for long-term and near-perfect ARV adherence is important when exploring optimal routes of medication delivery in jail and prison settings. One approach may be to instruct and educate inmates in self-administration of medications.…”

Effect of Incarceration History on Outcomes of Primary Care Office-based Buprenorphine/Naloxone

“…7 Untreated opioid dependence is associated with criminal activity, HIV and hepatitis infection, re-incarceration, and death from overdose. [7][8][9][10] Although correctional facilities provide an important opportunity to engage individuals with opioid dependence in treatment, the typically short stay in jails and the bureaucratic barriers to opioid agonist treatment in prisons 5 make community providers a more likely source of treatment for opioid dependent individuals with a history of incarceration.…”