Individual Educational Sessions and Inmate Follow-up for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment After Jail Release—A Pilot Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether individual educational sessions improve tuberculosis clinic follow-up rates after inmate-patients' release into the community compared to usual care. Study subjects were inmates of a county correctional facility receiving treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Inmates beginning LTBI treatment were randomly assigned to receive either a standardized educational session or usual care. Follow-up rates at the tuberculosis clinic after jail release were determined. Of 58 subjects enrolled, 17 were released to the community while on LTBI treatment. Of these, 1 of 8 subjects who were offered an educational session and 1 of 9 who were not offered the session came to the tuberculosis clinic within four weeks of jail release. The difference was not statistically significant. Possible reasons for the high dropout rate are discussed, as are suggestions for a definitive study.

Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional and Detention Facilities: Recommendations from CDC

“…Case-management strategies begun in the correctional facility should be continued after release for former inmates with confirmed or suspected TB disease and those with LTBI who are at high risk for progression to TB disease. Incentives and enablers (see Glossary) have improved adherence in incarcerated (35,60,61) and nonincarcerated (148,149) populations, and incentives combined with education and counseling optimize both shortand long-term adherence (40,60,61,150). Case management that takes into account cultural differences and addresses not only TB-control matters but patient-defined needs (particularly among foreign-born persons) results in improved completion rates for LTBI therapy (145).…”

Prevalence of Medical and Mental Health Conditions That Warrant Discharge Planning in a Medium-Sized County Jail

“…However, for certain conditions of public health importance, prevalence estimates based on intake screening results or on cross-sectional surveys do not reflect the local impact from inmate reentry. For example, Johnston, Cronin, Wells, and Johri (2003) found that, of 58 consecutive inmates for whom latent tuberculosis infection treatment was ordered, 26 (44%) rejoined the community with partially completed treatment. A majority of these inmates were transferred to another correctional facility or were deported to their country of origin during the course of treatment.…”