14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. E11438)

Shain LS, Wohl DA, Stephenson BL, Adamian MS, Emrick CB, Strauss RP, Golin C, Kaplan A
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States

ISSUES: Upon release, HIV+ former inmates often have trouble acclimating to society and establishing permanence within a community. Given these challenges it is often difficult to maintain contact, develop long-lasting relationships, and provide outreach to former inmates.

DESCRIPTION: As part of a larger study, we followed HIV+ former inmates for 30-60 days after release. While in prison, 21 inmates agreed to contact (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) a staff member by a toll-free pager, 30-45 days after release to complete a phone survey. Inmates permitted a staff member to reach them by phone and/or mail if they did not make the scheduled contact. To do so, they provided their future address and phone number, if known, as well as alternative contact information for family and friends. Participants were offered $50 for completing the interview. Inmates were usually contacted 1month after release if they had not paged a staff member. Of the 19 who completed the survey, 3 paged and 16 were found in the community. This method allowed us to maintain contact with 90% of released inmates.

ISSUES: It was challenging enrolling incarcerated individuals. Once enrolled, they were willing to provide future contact information. Former inmates were less likely to initiate the community-based contact, but were willing to complete the survey once we established contact. A relationship of trust and rapport was initially developed during an interview discussing sensitive and intimate sexual and drug use information.

RECOMMENDATIONS: To follow this population, we recommend contacting the participant one week before release and then within one week of release to secure up-to-date information and to offer possible assistance. In working with inmates, research staff must be trained in active listening, be genuine, and be committed to the project and the participant. Strong rapport is essential to ensure the development and sustainability of enduring relationships in the community.

020707
E11438

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