Behind the Bars of Paradise: HIV and Substance Use among Incarcerated Populations in Puerto Rico.

For those who are incarcerated in jails and prisons, the correctional setting represents a unique context for health care access and utilization. In Puerto Rico, over 16 000 persons pass each year through a correctional facility, approximately 6.9% of the incarcerated population present HIV infection, and 73.8% and 27.1% evidence a previous history of drug and alcohol use, respectively. In addition, HIV-infected populations have comorbidity with other diseases that are associated with substance use. Several approaches have been considered to prevent, treat, and provide a continuum of care for HIV and substance disorders among incarcerated populations. Nearly 30 years of legally regulated practices for correctional health care have produced recommendations for addressing the needs of those with HIV and substance disorders within the correctional facilities in Puerto Rico. These recommendations include making prevention services available, building capacity among health care providers, and understanding the cultural and political contexts.