Abstract
Objective: Puerto Rico has high HIV prevalence and incidence rates, including a large prison population living with HIV. While HIV treatment is available within the prisons, there are no linkages to care or treatment preparedness interventions following release. Methods: In an effort to assess the risk of treatment discontinuity in this group, we examined data from an ongoing epidemiological study in the largest, publicly funded HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment center in the San Juan area. Results: Among the newly enrolled, HIV-positive patients with a history of incarceration, there was an average 4-year gap in reengagement in treatment. Drug and sexual risk behaviors were prevalent, as was evidence of significant immune impairment (including high viral load and low CD4 count). Conclusions: Treatment discontinuity may contribute to poor health outcomes in this group and also fuel new infections. There is an urgent need for interventions to retain HIV-positive inmates in community HIV care following release.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 339-341 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2011 |
Keywords
- HIV
- Puerto Rico
- excarceration
- prison
- reentry
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases