Gender differences in baseline health, needs at release, and predictors of care engagement among HIV-positive clients leaving jail

AIDS Behav. 2013 Oct;17 Suppl 2(0 2):S195-202. doi: 10.1007/s10461-012-0391-y.

Abstract

Women represent a significant and growing segment of jail detainees and persons living with HIV. This paper examines gender differences in health status, care and social service needs, and care engagement among jail releasees with HIV. Data are from 1,270 participants in the HRSA-funded Enhancing Linkages to HIV Primary Care and Social Services multisite demonstration project (EnhanceLink). Compared to men, more women reported homelessness, reduced adherence to prescribed ART, worse health, more severe substance use disorders, and more chronic health conditions. Men and women generally reported different needs post-release. As the number of expressed needs increased, women were more likely to drop out of care. Our findings suggest that effective and gender-specific strategies are required to identify needs, link services between jails and communities, and sustain retention of women with HIV in programs after release from criminal justice settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Patient Discharge
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data
  • Prisons*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Work
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications