Prior studies which reported higher rates of incarceration for HIV infected than uninfected injecting drug users(IDUs) raised the question of whether prison time was related to transmission or whether certain behaviors predispose some to both incarceration and infections. To identify correlates of a history of incarceration among young IDUs we recruited IDU from Harlem, NYC for interviews and serologic testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV). The sample was 18-29 years of age, predominantly Hispanic (75%) and male (70%). Of the 209, 47% (n=97) had a history of incarceration ever, 35% within the last year and 23% of those within the last six months. Those in prison were less likely (p<.05)to be high school graduates, more likely (p<.05) to be men, to shoot up in a shooting gallery, have begun using heroin at <18 years of age, and be HCV and HBV positive (any markers). In a logistic regression model only HBV positive and age initiated heroin was significant with a significant interaction between gender and age initiating heroin; men who used heroin at <18 years old had the highest risk of ever being incarcerated. These data suggest younger injectors probably engage in behaviors that put them at risk for bloodborne infections and incarceration.
Learning Objectives: To begin to identify correlates of incarceration among young injecing drug users. To consider opportunity for prevention activities among incarcerated injection drug users
Keywords: Drug Injectors, Jails and Prisons
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.