A Latent Class Analysis of HIV Risk Factors Among Men and Women with Opioid Use Disorder in Pre-trial Detention

Adults entering pre-trial detention who inject drugs are at high risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS. In the current study, we examined pre-incarceration HIV risk behaviors among 114 people with opioid use disorder who inject drugs. Participants were recruited from the Baltimore City Detention Center as part of a randomized controlled trial of pre-release methadone treatment. Using latent class analysis, we found three separate latent classes, which we identified as the sex exchange class (14.2%), drug equipment sharing class (36.8%) and lower risk class (49.0%). Women in the sex exchange class (n = 16) reported having multiple male partners and selling sex for money or drugs; however, this group also reported more consistent condom use and less frequent injection drug and equipment sharing than participants in the drug equipment sharing class. Our findings highlight distinct profiles of jail detainees with OUD based on their risks for HIV, and could inform more targeted interventions for each group.Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02334215.

The Effect of Treatment Completion on Recidivism Among TASC Program Clients

Despite the enormous resources spent by states in the United States on bridging the gap between criminal justice and behavioral health services, there have been relatively few statewide evaluations of drug treatment client recidivism. We present the results of an evaluation of recidivism outcomes for a sample of individuals ( n = 1,274) referred to the Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) program in North Carolina from 2007 to 2008. The methodology accounted for both client and offense characteristics drawn from TASC, court, and corrections records. Multivariate analyses indicated that program completion is the most important predictor of re-arrest in the 3-year follow-up period, followed by a number of protective and risk factors. More specifically, being female, older at the time of program entry, as well as higher levels of educational attainment decreased the odds of re-arrest, whereas using crack/cocaine increased the odds of re-arrest. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are provided.

Creating Lasting Family Connections

There is increasing evidence of the effectiveness of continued care after reentry for those who have participated in prison-based substance abuse treatment. This article presents results from analyses of program and comparison group data from two community-based programs that implemented a culturally adapted version of the Creating Lasting Family Connections (CLFC) curriculum. Both programs sought to strengthen individuals (and their families) recently reentering the community after incarceration. Results suggested that the first program had effects on increasing HIV knowledge and spirituality, while reducing intentions to binge drink and recidivism. The second program similarly showed effects on recidivism, and participants also showed an increase in nine separate relationship skills. The policy implications of the results are discussed.