Yale University

Prevalence and Predictors of Mental/Emotional Distress Among HIV+ Jail Detainees at Enrollment in an Observational Study.

TitlePrevalence and Predictors of Mental/Emotional Distress Among HIV+ Jail Detainees at Enrollment in an Observational Study.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsLincoln, Thomas, Dominique Simon-Levine, JuliAnna Smith, Geri R. Donenberg, Sandra A. Springer, Nickolas Zaller, Frederick L. Altice, Kevin Moore, Alison O. Jordan, Jeffrey Draine, and Maureen Desabrais
JournalJournal of correctional health care : the official journal of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care
Volume21
Issue2
Pagination125-39
Date Published2015 Apr
ISSN1940-5200
AbstractThis study evaluates the prevalence of mental/emotional distress and its specific correlates among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in 20 jail systems across the United States. Of the 878 PLWHA jail detainees, 52% had high levels of mental/emotional distress, defined by the composite Addiction Severity Index score. High mental/emotional distress was found to be associated with the inmate living in a city with lower income inequality, lower health ranking, and higher degree of danger. Proximate variables included being female, bisexual orientation, poorer physical health, and increased severity of substance abuse. Inmates in jails with accredited health services and those satisfied with family support had lower mental/emotional distress scores. These findings indicate the need for expanded mental health assessment of PLWHAs entering jail.
DOI10.1177/1078345815574566
Alternate JournalJ Correct Health Care

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