Incarceration history as a risk factor for HIV infection among Puerto Rican injection drug users.
This study assesses factors associated with incarceration history and HIV seropositivity among 1,700 out-of-treatment drug injectors recruited in Puerto Rico between 1989-1990 from health care centers, emergency rooms, copping areas, shooting galleries, bars, billiard rooms and street corners. Analysis links incarceration history with criminal involvement and chronic drug use. After controlling for sociodemographics and previously reported correlates of HIV status, regression analysis shows incarceration history significantly relates to HIV status. The only predictor of incarceration history not related to HIV status was illegal activity as a major source of income. Analysis emphasizes HIV prevention programs within the penal system.
Puerto Rico Department of Anti Addiction Services/Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan.
R R
RR
Robles
C A
CA
Marrero
D H
DH
Freeman
H M
HM
Colón
T D
TD
Matos
H
H
Sahai
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*