HIV Testing and Incarceration History Among People Who Inject Drugs in Boston
Author Information
Author(s): Bovell-Ammon Benjamin J., Onofrey Shauna, Kimmel Simeon D., Wurcel Alysse G., Klevens Monina
Primary Institution: UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate and Baystate Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does incarceration history influence HIV testing rates among people who inject drugs?
Conclusion
Incarceration is a common experience among people who inject drugs and serves as a significant source of HIV testing, but overall testing rates need improvement.
Supporting Evidence
- 58.5% of participants reported past-year HIV testing.
- 74% of those with past-year incarceration reported past-year HIV testing.
- 30.5% of those with past-year incarceration received their last HIV test while incarcerated.
Takeaway
Many people who inject drugs get tested for HIV while in jail or prison, but we need to make sure everyone gets tested more often.
Methodology
Secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system.
Potential Biases
Self-reported behaviors may be subject to social desirability bias.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, limiting causal inference, and relies on self-reported data which may be biased.
Participant Demographics
Average age 38.9 years; 70.1% male; 15.2% Hispanic; 8.4% non-Hispanic Black; 68.1% non-Hispanic White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.39; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.49
Confidence Interval
1.29, 1.49
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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