Health Status Sexual and Drug Risk and Psychosocial Factors Relevant to Post-release Planning for HIV+ Prisoners

摘要

The prevalence of HIV infection among male prison inmates is significantly higher than the United States population. Adequate planning to ensure continued medication adherence and continuity of care after release is important for this population. This study describes the pre-release characteristics of 162 incarcerated HIV-positive men (40 from jails and 122 from prisons). The results include a demographic description of the sample and their sexual risk behaviors, substance use, health status and HIV medication adherence, health care utilization, mental health, and family and social support. The results highlight a potentially high level of need for services and low levels of support and social connectedness. Post-release planning should include support for improving HIV medication adherence as well as reducing both sexual and IDU-related transmission risk for these individuals.