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In-facility HIV peer-based rehabilitation programs’ role in linkage to care among persons transitioning from correctional to community-based HIV care in South Africa

Nimasha B. Fernando (Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA)
Daniel M. Woznica (Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA)
Tonderai Mabuto (Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Christopher J. Hoffmann (Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa)

International Journal of Prisoner Health

ISSN: 1744-9200

Article publication date: 27 January 2022

Issue publication date: 24 November 2022

42

Abstract

Purpose

This analysis aims to examine the role of pre-release, HIV-related, peer-based rehabilitation program attendance on post-release linkage to community-based HIV care in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

During a post-release linkage-to-care prospective study, participants from six correctional facilities who had an HIV-positive diagnosis and were taking anti-retroviral medications at release (N = 351) self-reported rehabilitation program participation. Linkage-to-care status 90 days post-release was verified by medical chart review.

Findings

In a binomial regression model, HIV-related, peer-based rehabilitation program attendance was insignificant (relative risk [RR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.8, 1.4], p-value = 0.7), but short-/long-term incarceration site (RR 1.5, 95% CI [1.0, 2.1], p-value = 0.04) and relationship status pre-incarceration (RR 1.9, 95% CI [1.0, 3.6], p-value = 0.05) were significantly associated with linkage to HIV care post-release.

Originality/value

Rehabilitation and peer-based HIV programs have had demonstrated benefit in other settings. Assessment of current programs may identify opportunities for improvement.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the time provided by all participants and the clinical and correctional service teams within the South African Department of Corrections Services. The authors also thank the Dr James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement Fellowship program, especially Dr Harolyn Belcher, Dr Damani Piggott and Dr Kathryn Van Eck, for providing 2018 summer research mentorship and support. Funding: This journal article was supported by the Grant or Cooperative Agreement Number, 1 NU50MN000004, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Citation

Fernando, N.B., Woznica, D.M., Mabuto, T. and Hoffmann, C.J. (2022), "In-facility HIV peer-based rehabilitation programs’ role in linkage to care among persons transitioning from correctional to community-based HIV care in South Africa", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 473-482. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-05-2021-0044

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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