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Substance Use and HIV Among Justice-Involved Youth: Intersecting Risks

  • Behavioral Bio-Medical Interface (JL Brown and RJ DiClemente, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review discusses recent advances in research on the intersection of HIV prevention and substance use among youth involved with the justice system. We discuss current themes of recent findings and provide guidance for researchers, policymakers, and clinicians on the next steps in advancing work in this nascent area.

Recent Findings

Of the 46 studies that measured HIV risk and substance use among justice-involved youth, 56% were cross-sectional designs, 22% were intervention trials, and 22% were longitudinal designs. Cross-sectional studies suggested that substance use is highly associated with HIV risk behaviors. Longitudinal analyses underscored the importance of understanding contextual risk factors, such as trauma and violence. Intervention trials demonstrated improved scientific rigor of behavioral approaches.

Summary

Despite recent advances, research in this field remains limited. Future directions include longer follow-up periods, consideration of biomedical HIV-prevention interventions, and a focus on dissemination and implementation science of efficacious interventions.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R01DA034538 and R01DA035231 (Dr. Tolou-Shams), T32DA007250 (Dr. Harrison), R25DA037190 (Dr. Dauria), and National Institute of Mental Health grant R25MH06048 (Dr. Hirschtritt). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health or National Institute of Health.

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Correspondence to Marina Tolou-Shams.

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Table 1 Search strategies for databases. All searches were completed on 3/2/2018. A date limit from 2013 to 2018 was used; no other limits were used in the searches

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Tolou-Shams, M., Harrison, A., Hirschtritt, M.E. et al. Substance Use and HIV Among Justice-Involved Youth: Intersecting Risks. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 16, 37–47 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-019-00424-x

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