Jails as an opportunity to increase engagement in HIV care: findings from an observational cross-sectional study.
Linkage, engagement, retention and adherence to care are necessary steps along the HIV care continuum. Progression through these steps is essential for control of the disease and interruption of transmission. Identifying and re-engaging previously diagnosed but out-of-care patients is a priority to achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy. Participants in the EnhanceLink cohort who were previously diagnosed HIV+ (n = 1,203) were classified as not-linked to of care and non-adherent to medication prior to incarceration by self report. Results based on multivariate models indicate that recent homelessness as well as high degrees of substance abuse correlated with those classified as not-linked to care and non-adherent to medications while having insurance was associated with being linked to care and adherent to care. The majority of detainees reported being linked to care but not currently adherent to care confirming that jails are an important site for re-engaging HIV+ individuals.
MetroHealth Medical Center, 2500 MetroHealth Dr. C-2001, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA, aavery@metrohealth.org.
Ann K
AK
Avery
Rachel W
RW
Ciomcia
Thomas
T
Lincoln
Maureen
M
Desbrais
Alison O
AO
Jordan
Aadia I
AI
Rana
Rhoderick
R
Machekano
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011329:Prisoners; D011330:Prisons; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D019562:Viral Load; D055815:Young Adult