Preliminary Evidence of Significant Gaps in Continuity of HIV Care among Excarcerated Populations in Puerto Rico
| Autor: | Ricardo L. Vargas-Molina, Hermes García, Carlos E. Rodríguez-Díaz, Michael C. Clatts, Lloyd A. Goldsamt, Gerardo G. Jovet-Toledo |
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| Rok vydání: | 2011 |
| Předmět: |
Gerontology
medicine.medical_specialty Sexual Behavior media_common.quotation_subject Immunology Sexually Transmitted Diseases Psychological intervention HIV Infections Prison Dermatology Social issues Risk-Taking Environmental health Epidemiology medicine Humans media_common business.industry Puerto Rico virus diseases Infectious Diseases Preparedness Risk assessment business Developed country Viral load |
| Zdroj: | Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care. 10:339-341 |
| ISSN: | 1545-1097 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/1545109711418833 |
| Popis: | 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. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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