Technology Use in Linking Criminal Justice Reentrants to HIV Care in the Community: A Qualitative Formative Research Study

Abstract

Innovative interventions increasing linkage, adherence, and retention in care among HIV-infected persons in the criminal justice system are needed. The authors conducted a qualitative study to investigate technology-based tools to facilitate linkage to community-based care and viral suppression for HIV-infected jail detainees on antiretroviral medications being released to the community. The authors conducted 24 qualitative interviews—12 in Rhode Island and 12 in Washington, DC—among recently incarcerated HIV-infected persons to elicit their perceptions on the use of technology tools to support linkage to HIV care among criminal justice populations. This article discusses participants' perceptions of the acceptability of technological tools such as (a) a computer-based counseling and (b) text messaging interventions. The participants reported positive experiences when previewing the technology-based tools to facilitate linkage to HIV care and adherence to HIV medications. Successful linkage to care has been shown to improve HIV-associated and non-HIV-associated health outcomes, as well as prevent criminal recidivism and facilitate reentrants' successful and meaningful transition. These findings can be used to inform the implementation of interventions aimed at promoting adherence to antiretroviral medications and linkage to care for HIV-infected persons being released from the correctional setting.

Acknowledgments

For their assistance and expertise throughout the study, the authors acknowledge all of the clients, faculty, and staff at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Miriam Hospital/Rhode Island Hospital Alpert Medical School of Brown University who contributed to data collection for this study, as well as staff at collaborating agencies, without whom these innovative methods would not be possible.