A Randomized Controlled Trial of HIV Testing and Linkage to Care at Community Corrections: Six-Month Outcomes

• In Event: Health and Well-being in Corrections

Abstract

HIV testing and prevention have largely been ignored among community correction (i.e., probation and parole) populations with even less attention focused on their HIV risks and behaviors. This study explored two specific aims: (1) To determine whether people with HIV (both known and newly diagnosed) can be identified in community corrections; and (2) To determine the impact of Project Bridge (PB) versus Treatment as Usual (TAU) on individuals with HIV recruited through community corrections on the following outcomes: 1) engagement in care; 2) retention in care; 3) initiated ART; 4) drug use days; and re-arrest. A total of 100 HIV-positive participants on probation/parole were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 1) Project Bridge [PB] for 12 months (n=50); or 2) Treatment as Usual [TAU] (standard level of care/referral for treatment, n=50). Project Bridge is a team based approach to services in which social workers and outreach workers have complimentary roles and responsibilities and assist linking individuals to treatment. Participants were examined at baseline (study intake) and six-months post baseline. Logistic Regression analysis was used to examine binary variables (engagement in treatment, initiated ART), and Poisson regression was used to examine continuous measures (days retained, drug use days).

Authors

• Michael Gordon, Friends Research Institute

• Josiah Rich, Brown Medical School The Miriam Hospital

• Michele McKenzie, Brown Medical School The Miriam Hospital

• Timothy W. Kinlock, University of Baltimore