Predictive factors of facilitating linkage to care for HIV-positive detainees in ICE Health Service Corps-staffed facilities.

BACKGROUND

Persons in ICE detention represent a population about whom limited health-related data is available in the literature. Since ICE detention is generally brief, facilitating linkage to care (FLC) for detainees with chronic diseases, including HIV-positive detainees, is challenging, yet critical to encourage continued treatment beyond custody. Between 2015 and 2017, IHSC-staffed facilities implemented intensive training related to HIV care and FLC and increased clinical oversight and consultations. This study examined the impact of these changes in relation to FLC.

METHODS

Demographic and clinical data for detainees with known HIV-positive diagnoses at IHSC-staffed facilities entering custody in 2015 and 2017 were obtained via electronic health record. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors that may increase FLC.

RESULTS

After adjusting for year of entry into custody, detainees who received an infectious disease (ID) consultation had significantly higher odds (2.4, P < 0.001) of receiving FLC resources compared to those who did not receive an ID consultation. Between 2015 and 2017, the proportion of HIV-positive detainees receiving FLC resources increased from 29 to 62%.

CONCLUSIONS

ID consultations significantly improved FLC for HIV-positive detainees. Continued provider training and education is essential to continue improving the rate of FLC for HIV-positive ICE detainees.