Barriers To HIV Prevention And Treatment For People With Criminal-Legal Involvement
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2025-05-19
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This research explores the challenges that individuals with criminal-legal involvement face in accessing HIV prevention and treatment services, particularly pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Individuals with criminal-legal involvement are disproportionately affected by HIV and often experience disruptions in care due to systemic barriers, including stigma, limited resources, and a lack of coordinated services (Murphy et al., 2022; Rowell-Cunsolo et al., 2020). Research also shows that only a small percentage of individuals re-engage in ART treatment for HIV within the first 90 days after release from incarceration, increasing their risk for poor health outcomes (Iroh et al., 2015). This study employs a mixed-methods approach with secondary data to highlight gaps and barriers in the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services. Qualitative and quantitative data from the ACTION Community Needs Assessment in one county site in Texas offered an overview of service availability across criminal-legal and healthcare organizations, while focus groups with agency staff provided in-depth insights into service delivery challenges. The goal of this current study is to identify gaps in the continuum of care?from screening and referral to long-term treatment engagement?and to understand how those gaps affect access to life-saving services. Findings will help inform public health interventions and policy solutions aimed at improving HIV care for this high-risk population.
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Psychology