HIV Testing, HIV Positivity, and Linkage and Referral Services in Correctional Facilities in the United States, 2009–2013

Abstract

Background Because of health disparities, incarcerated persons are at higher risk for multiple health issues, including HIV. Correctional facilities have an opportunity to provide HIV services to an underserved population. This article describes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded HIV testing and service delivery in correctional facilities. Methods Data on HIV testing and service delivery were submitted to CDC by 61 health department jurisdictions in 2013. HIV testing, HIV positivity, receipt of test results, linkage, and referral services were described, and differences across demographic characteristics for linkage and referral services were assessed. Finally, trends were examined for HIV testing, HIV positivity, and linkage from 2009 to 2013. Results Of CDC-funded tests in 2013 among persons 18 years and older, 254,719 (7.9%) were conducted in correctional facilities. HIV positivity was 0.9%, and HIV positivity for newly diagnosed persons was 0.3%. Blacks accounted for the highest percentage of HIV-infected persons (1.3%) and newly diagnosed persons (0.5%). Only 37.9% of newly diagnosed persons were linked within 90 days; 67.5% were linked within any time frame; 49.7% were referred to partner services; and 45.2% were referred to HIV prevention services. There was a significant percent increase in HIV testing, overall HIV positivity, and linkage from 2009 to 2013. However, trends were stable for newly diagnosed persons. Conclusions Identification of newly diagnosed persons in correctional facilities has remained stable from 2009 to 2013. Correctional facilities seem to be reaching blacks, likely due to higher incarceration rates. The current findings indicate that improvements are needed in HIV testing strategies, service delivery during incarceration, and linkage to care postrelease.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Partner Notification Services Among a Representative Sample of Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Demonstrates Limited Service Offering and Potential Benefits of Clinic Involvement

“…The significant association between being in jail and being offered PN might be a consequence of expanding HIV testing and linkage in correctional facilities, developed in response to high rates of HIV among criminal justice involved populations. 23,24 This finding is consistent with a national study demonstrating that over half of newly diagnosed black men in jail and prison were referred to PN. 23 Yet our results also show that HIV diagnosed individuals who were previously jailed were no more likely to provide partner names when offered PN than those who were not jailed.…”

“…23,24 This finding is consistent with a national study demonstrating that over half of newly diagnosed black men in jail and prison were referred to PN. 23 Yet our results also show that HIV diagnosed individuals who were previously jailed were no more likely to provide partner names when offered PN than those who were not jailed. There are many barriers to improving the HIV care continuum in correctional facilities including HIV stigma, fear of status disclosure and ensuing discrimination, retribution, and danger to personal safety.…”

Mental health in 2020 for men who have sex with men in the United States

“…134,135 While there is no evidence that minorities experience higher rates of mental health issues, there are disparities in mental health care. 136 These disparities may contribute to why African-American and Hispanic MSM are disproportionately affected by these structural barriers associated with HIV, consistent with longstanding social and economic inequity.…”

Care to Incarcertaed People With Hiv/Aids: Literature Review

“…The care provided to people with HIV/AIDS in prison was addressed by the articles regarding the following themes: HIV prevention,12,19 HIV testing and diagnosis,13-16 HIV treatment, [13][14][15][16] Articulation with health services in addressing HIV. 12,15,18,20 In the HIV prevention theme, it was found that the development of such action within the PU can be an alternative to decrease the number of new cases of detainees infected with the virus, 19 however there are prisons that represent a high-risk environment for the HIV transmission. Another study points to the low referral of detainees to health services for the provision of HIV prevention actions, with emphasis on testing and test results, medical consultation after diagnosis of the virus infection and guidelines on exposure of the virus to partner.…”

“…Another study points to the low referral of detainees to health services for the provision of HIV prevention actions, with emphasis on testing and test results, medical consultation after diagnosis of the virus infection and guidelines on exposure of the virus to partner. 12,19 In relation to testing and counseling, a study conducted in Italy in 2013 found that all PUs studied offered HIV testing. 13 Another study conducted in Malaysia found that 66.9% of participants were diagnosed with HIV in a previous incarceration, 56.5% in the current incarceration and 10.5% by compulsory testing during incarceration.…”