This pilot feasibility study represents part 3 of a larger R61 study, where the investigators will follow a cohort about their experiences with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing. This project aims to assess the effectiveness of an intervention at two jail sites in the Boston area: South Bay House of Corrections and Nashua Street Jail implemented in January of 2025 that is aimed at improving HIV testing practices and HIV treatment in those carceral facilities. This implementation was developed independently of the investigators' study activities. The jails worked to develop changes in their electronic health record to offer HIV testing at various points in their intake and physical exam process. HIV care was not well-integrated with the jails' existing intake and healthcare administration systems and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program. The investigators will evaluate the intervention the jails developed to address these issues. The outcomes of interest are more implementation than effectiveness outcomes. The primary goal of this study is to identify existing barriers in the carceral healthcare setting that prevent the improvement of HIV testing and treatment.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
75
ID TOUCH is a multi-pronged intervention to increase HIV testing and PrEP linkage that includes jail-based HIV care process improvements with post-incarceration outreach and linkage to community services.
South Bay House of Corrections
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGNumber of participants that use HIV services while incarcerated
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. If there is any mention of HIV services of any type such as testing, obtaining information. or counseling related to HIV while incarcerated, the participant will be categorized as using HIV services/Yes.
Time frame: on average 4-6 weeks
Number of participants that use of PrEP if HIV negative
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. For participants who are HIV negative, if there is any mention of PrEP being used the participant will be categorized as using PrEP/Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants that have HIV testing in the community if unknown status during incarceration
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants with unknown HIV status during incarceration who are tested for HIV in the community, will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants that demonstrate HIV knowledge
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who demonstrate HIV knowledge will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants that have Risk Behaviors for HIV
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who have rsk behaviors for HIV will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants that have substance use
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who report they use substances \[eg smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using any illicit drugs\] will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants with Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs)
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who report that they were tested and told they have any STI other than HIV \[eg syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis C virus (HCV)\] will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 month, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants with PrEP Awareness
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who demonstrate awareness about PrEP will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
Number of participants with acute healthcare utilization
This will be assessed from a review of information abstracted from study questionnaires and interviews with study staff and recorded as a binary 'Yes or No'. Participants who report they were either hospitalized or received care in an emergency room will be categorized as Yes.
Time frame: 1 week, 3 months post incarceration
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