Inmates are vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB) disease, since the risk of TB infection increases in correctional facilities. Yet, an individual's risk of infection depends not only on the individual's susceptibility to infection but also on environmental exposure. Particularly, women in correctional facilities are more vulnerable to TB disease because of social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The essential aspect of TB control is completion of treatment. However, the completion rate for women inmates is questionable because of their behavioral characteristics, difficult life circumstances, as well as a high turnover rate in the incarcerated population. The proposed research will explore the relationships between TB disease and individual risk factors (such as HIV infection, intravenous drug use, alcohol abuse, and homelessness) and community factors (such as median income, educational level, employment, number of TB and HIV cases, number of hospitals, the designation of public housing areas, and number of enrollments in public assistance). Accumulated data from 1993 to 1999 will be used. Multi-level analysis will be performed on TB disease and treatment by individual variables and community variables.
Learning Objectives: 1. Existing data analysis. No actual contact with human subjects. 2. Patterns and relationships between incarcerated women with TB disease and their individual and community factors will be identified. 3. To develop a collaborative TB treatment strategy for incarcerated population
Keywords: Incarceration, TB
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Cermak Health Services, Cook County, IL
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.