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Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community are at increased risk for health threats when compared to their peers, including significantly higher rates of cigarette smoking and tobacco use, conferring risks for preventable tobacco-related illnesses and cancers. Health disparities for this group are associated with social and structural inequities, stigma and discrimination. As such, there are systemic and societal barriers to accessing smoking cessation services and too few services aim to reach and engage these groups. To date, three reviews have systematically summarized the literature about smoking cessation programs in LGBT samples; one review focused on young adults only, one review is eight years old, and one was focused on Australian policy. We conducted a scoping review of the literature and identified 71 studies examining smoking cessation in LGBT groups. Implementation barriers included in these studies were coded by raters. No studies were found that summarized or describe implementation science models for smoking cessation programs for LGBT groups. The Dynamic Sustainability Framework provides a structure for disseminating and implementating recommendations from smoking cessation research for practical use with LGBT communities. Interventions exist at the individual, family, systems, and national policy levels. More research is needed to determine whether tailoring or targeting of interventions matters. Using the Framework for Knowledge Translation, we created an easily disseminable sheet of information for community partners about how to use the lessons learned from these research articles to increase access to smoking cessation for LGBT individuals and communities and to increase public health.

This article examined the factors associated with thoughts of ending life in a sample of incarcerated men. Data were obtained from the Cancer Risk in Incarcerated Men Study, a pilot study designed to examine cancer health disparities and cancer health education in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of male smokers in three state prisons in the northeast region of the United States from 2015 to 2017. Of the 225 participants, only 11 reported having thoughts of ending life. The median age of the participants was 38 years. Thoughts of ending life had a significant association with race/ethnicity. Latinos and Whites were 8 out of the 11 participants who had thoughts of ending life. The majority of participants who had thoughts of ending life reported a history of solitary confinement. Almost half of all participants reported that they sometimes or often felt a risk of attack or abuse from prison officers. Findings demonstrate the need to investigate further the association of mental health symptomology with incarcerated individuals' perceived experience with suicidal thoughts and behavior.

People who are incarcerated have limited resources to help them quit tobacco smoking. This study assessed the association between baseline attitudes and expectations of the program with final smoking status as the outcome. A 6-week group-based counseling with nicotine patches was provided to incarcerated individuals to quit smoking. A cross-sectional survey was given at the first session. Questions surrounding attitudes such as interest, confidence, motivation, and expectations were used to assess associations with smoking cessation. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels were taken at each sessions. Participants were categorized as nonsmoking or continued smoking at a 6.0 parts per million (ppm) CO at their final session attended. Overall, 123 participants had a CO higher than 6.0 ppm or missed more than two sessions at their final session, and 54 had a CO under 6.0 ppm. A total of 102 participants completed the 6-week program. Differences among the two groups in exhaled CO began at Session 3 and continued throughout the study.

Parolees experience numerous barriers that may impact successful reintegration into society. Residential instability may further add to these obstacles, as there may be limited opportunities for housing given their criminal history. The present study aimed to examine the impact of residential instability on suicidal ideation among parolees. Results indicated that residentially stable and unstable individuals had similar risk factors which were significantly associated with suicidality, such as age and having perceived unmet mental health needs. Other risk factors differed among the two groups, highlighting the importance of treatment and preparation for re-entry into society while in the prison setting.

The present study explored the impact of publicized incidents of police violence on racially underrepresented college students in the U.S. Approximately 134 college students at various colleges and universities in the U.S. completed a questionnaire that examined their engagement with police brutality videos, reactions about police killings of unarmed Black men (and boys), their encounters with police, and perceptions toward the issue of police violence. The majority of participants were students of color, from the middle to high socioeconomic backgrounds and attended private and public institutions of higher education. The main findings included: (1) social media as a medium to learn about incidents of police violence; (2) students displayed symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (i.e., anger, sadness, and fear) after viewing the videos; and (3) student’s race affected how they viewed police violence in social media. These findings reflect that witnessing publicized police killings of unarmed Black men (and boys) is traumatic for college students and contributes to anxiety and fear for future police encounters.

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 creates another health burden for people living with HIV (PLWH) who face multiple morbidities and may be at heightened risk for severe physical health illness from COVID-19. Our abilities to address these morbidities in PLWH must be considered alongside the socially-produced burdens that both place this population at risk for COVID-19 and heighten the likelihood of adverse outcomes. These burdens can affect the physical, emotional, and social well-being of PLWH and interfere with the delivery of effective healthcare and access to HIV treatment. We posit that a syndemic framework can be used to conceptualize the potential impact of COVID-19 among PLWH to inform the development of health programming services.

The purpose of this narrative study is to describe the vaping and smoking characteristics of Queer people ages 18–34 before March of 2020 and to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted those behaviors since March of 2020. In total, 31 participants were screened. Thirteen participants were screened prior to the emergence of COVID-19, and 18 were screened when study protocols transitioned to a remote setting (pre and during). Of the 27 eligible participants, a total of 25 participants completed the study. Most participants (n = 13) self-identified as male, followed by five identified as female, four self-identified as gender non-binary, and three identified as transgender. The most common sexual orientation amongst participants was gay (n = 10), with bisexual being the second-most reported. Approximately 20 Queer participants reported using cigarettes, 14 participants self-reported using electronic devices, and 11 reported using hookah. Twenty participants reported smoking ten or less, and four self-reported using 11–20 cigarettes per day. Approximately, 92% of participants (n = 23) indicate that they are using an e-cigarette and regular cigarettes, and 57% of participants (n = 12) report using one pod or cartridge per day. The three themes that emerged in this study are: (1) Queer people during COVID-19 are experiencing heightened minority stress; (2) Queer people are unfamiliar with smoking cessation; and (3) vaping and smoking are attributed to stress and anxiety. Queer participants are likely to be dual users of cigarette and vaping products. This present study provides increasing evidence that Queer people are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety and using cigarette smoking and vaping to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black and Latino men experience high rates of trauma before and during incarceration and upon release to the community. This study examines the association between trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and alcohol use on the adult attachment styles in a sample of 248 Black and Latino men with incarceration experiences. Most of the respondents indicated that they were single and never married (61.3%), earned less than $10,000 annually (84.3%), and were in a state prison facility during their last incarceration (60.9%). Findings indicate that most of the men scored above average in attachment anxiety (M = 5.14, SD = 1.34) and attachment avoidant subscales (M = 5.35, SD = 1.08). Close to 23% self-reported within the hazardous drinking range. In terms of trauma, the mean trauma score was 2.85 (SD = 2.97), suggesting that participants self-reported experiencing minimal trauma. Overall, Black and Latino men who experience incarceration demonstrate high rates of insecure attachments which were predicted by traumatic childhood experiences. To best serve this population, mental health treatment during incarceration and the community should enhance attachment security.

Introduction Tobacco smoking remains an important public health issue in the United States (US), specifically among people who are incarcerated. There is little to no information about smoking behaviors of incarcerated people in rural areas and there is a lack of resources for smoking cessation interventions in rural settings. Telehealth might be efficient for delivering care to incarcerated people in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of delivering group-based smoking cessation treatment via telehealth to incarcerated male smokers in a rural prison. Methods A 6-week group-based smoking cessation treatment program was conducted with 1-month follow up. Video conferencing was used from Weeks 2–5 to deliver treatment. A cross-sectional survey was administered collecting measures including criminal justice experience, smoking behaviors, withdrawal and triggers, mental health, physical health, and substance use. Baseline exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels were collected at Session 1, and a final CO level at Session 6 and 1-month follow-up. Results Twenty ( n = 20) incarcerated male smokers were recruited from a rural prison facility. The majority of the inmates were White (85%). Approximately, 80% of the inmates smoked about 20 or more cigarettes per day, and on average smoked for 28 years (SD = 9). Most inmates scored a moderate or high dependence score on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Conclusion Telehealth programs such as video conferencing smoking cessation treatment ought to be implemented to reduce tobacco-related disparities among incarcerated smokers housed in rural prisons.

BACKGROUND COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has devastated incarcerated people throughout the United States. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities. METHODS The COVID-19 Health Review survey for the Department of Corrections was developed in Qualtrics to assess the following: (1) COVID-19 testing, (2) providing personal protective equipment, (3) vaccination procedures, (4) quarantine procedures, (5) COVID-19 mortality rates for inmates, (6) COVID-19 mortality rates for correctional officers and prison staff, (7) COVID-19 infection rates for inmates, (8) COVID-19 infection rates for correctional officers and prison staff, and (9) uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The estimated time to review the Alabama State Department of Corrections COVID-19 responses on their website and complete the survey items was 45 minutes to 1 hour. RESULTS Of the 21 participants who completed the COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities survey, 48% (n=10) identified as female, 43% (n=9) identified as male, and 10% (n=2) identified as transgender. For race, 29% (n=6) self-identified as Black or African American, 24% (n=5) Asian, 24% (n=5) White, 5% (n=1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 19% (n=4) Other. In addition, 5 respondents self-identified as returning citizens. For COVID-19 review questions, the majority concluded that information on personal protective equipment was “poor” and “very poor,” information on COVID-19 testing was “fair” and above, information on COVID-19 death/infection rates between inmates and staff was “good” and “very good,” and information on vaccinations was “good” and “very good.” There was a significant difference observed (P=.03) between nonreturning citizens and returning citizens regarding the health grade review with respect to available information on COVID-19 infection rates. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 health reviews may provide an opportunity for the public to review the COVID-19 responses in correctional settings.

Social media has transformed the way cancer patients search for information about their chronic health problems. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the use of online digital videos to increase cancer knowledge and to understand information preference, behavioral changes, and attitudes towards online cancer education videos. The databases used for this review included MedLine, PsychINFO, and PubMed. These medical databases were used to locate peer-reviewed academic journals from 2013-2018 using the following MeSH terms: "cancer education videos," "cancer prevention videos," and "cancer education digital videos." A total of 4996 articles were retrieved from the initial search, and 33 articles were reviewed. Articles were excluded if videos did not (1) focus on cancer education and prevention; (2) posted on an online platform; and (3) assessed participants' knowledge, attitude, or beliefs about cancer. Eleven articles were found to meet inclusion criteria for final review. All of the studies focused on increasing education on preventive health behaviors (i.e., sunscreen use, smoking, and diet) and/or early detection strategies (i.e., screening testing and/or self-skin exams). While online digital health videos have the potential to improve health outcomes, issues related to technology access and health literacy must be considered when developing online health education videos.

An increasing proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the United States are at least 50 years of age and older, more likely to be gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (...

The incarcerated population has been substantially burdened by syndemic productions involving mental health illness and substance abuse problems. The present analysis describes the mental health symptoms of a nonprobability sample of 225 formerly incarcerated men and establishes the types of perceived support they received during incarceration as predictors of their psychological well-being upon release. The men were between 35 and 67 years of age; the mean age was 47.27 ( SD = 6.64), and Blacks and Latinos were about equally represented. Most respondents did not finish high school, were unemployed, convicted of a nonviolent crime, and were housed in a New York state prisons. The majority were also single (never married) and had children. The findings indicate that greater social, community, and spiritual support were correlated with lower mental health scores. The strongest predictor was perceived social support. Access and use of social resources, including social support, are important factors in influencing the psychological functioning among formerly incarcerated men.

Social media, in the form of digital videos targeted to people with limited health literacy, as well as disadvantaged or marginalized groups, may help reduce cancer health disparities and improve health outcomes in these populations. In this article, we document the process of adapting the content from the Cancer 101 curriculum to create animated scripts about the cancer care continuum that is clear, straightforward, and in plain language. The development of the Cancer 101 digital videos required a multidisciplinary collaboration from—public health, medicine, technology, and expertise in correctional health, smoking cessation, web development, video producers, and individuals directly impacted by cancer disparities. The Cancer 101 videos were showcased at a community health fair where the videos were viewed by attendants waiting to be seen by a medical provider. While waiting for their cancer screening, 13 individuals were selected and invited to watch all 11 videos totaling less than 60-minutes of viewing time. They included 3 Latina women, 2 Latino men, and 8 Haitian women. All participants were between the ages of 40-65 years old. Overall, participants agreed that they would recommend the videos to friends/family (M = 4.77, SD = 0.44) and that they plan to watch other video modules to learn more information about cancer (M = 4.72, SD = 0.47). Additionally, participants enjoyed the graphics and audio of the videos presented (M = 4.85, SD = 0.38). Furthermore, participants noted that Cancer 101 digital videos described cancer in plain language, leading to a better understanding of the disease. Future research is needed to implement Cancer 101 digital videos in healthcare clinics to increase cancer information and improve cancer screening rates in marginalized communities.

Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latino smokers. Methods: Using a community-based strategy, 50 Latino smokers were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation pilot study. Participants received a 12-week text messaging intervention and were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost. We assessed biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks, text messaging interactivity with the program, NRT utilization, self-efficacy, therapeutic alliance, and satisfaction. Results: Participants were 44.8 years old on average (SD 9.80), and they were primarily male (66%) and had no health insurance (78%). Most of the participants were born in Mexico (82%) and were light smokers (1–10 CPD) (68%). All participants requested the first order of NRT, and 66% requested a refill. Participants sent an average of 39.7 text messages during the 12-week intervention (SD 82.70). At 12 weeks, 30% of participants were biochemically verified abstinent (88% follow-up rate) and working alliance mean value was 79.2 (SD 9.04). Self-efficacy mean score increased from 33.98 (SD 10.36) at baseline to 40.05 (SD 17.65) at follow-up (p = 0.04). The majority of participants (90.9%, 40/44) reported being very or extremely satisfied with the program. Conclusion: A culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latinos offers a promising strategy to increase the use of NRT, generated high satisfaction and frequent interactivity, significantly increased self-efficacy, produced high therapeutic alliance, and resulted in noteworthy cessation rates at the end of treatment. Additional testing as a formal randomized clinical trial is warranted.

We conducted a mixed-methods study to identify factors that influence transitions in attachment style between childhood and adulthood among 28 young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States. We used a phenomenological approach to data integration, with the major component to the results being garnered from the qualitative interviews. We organized our results by four attachment transition groups: stable-secure (secure attachment in childhood and young adulthood), stable-insecure (insecure attachment in childhood and young adulthood), secure-to-insecure (secure in childhood and insecure in adulthood) and insecure-to-secure (insecure in childhood and secure in adulthood). Within each of the typologies, two major themes emerged: (a) social support and (b) religion. Generally, transitions from secure-to-insecure attachment were related to experiences of perceived rejection by a parental figure during adolescence that corresponded with sexual orientation disclosure. Transitions from insecure-to-secure attachment appeared to be related to the absence of an attachment figure early in life, but with the acquisition of an attachment figure during early-to-late adolescence. The findings from our study suggest a need for attachment-based approaches to social support interventions, as well as for an increased understanding of social and cultural factors that impact attachment changes among practitioners who use attachment-based therapy models for YBGBM.

Background COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has devastated incarcerated people throughout the United States. Objective The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities. Methods The COVID-19 Health Review survey for the Department of Corrections was developed in Qualtrics to assess the following: (1) COVID-19 testing, (2) providing personal protective equipment, (3) vaccination procedures, (4) quarantine procedures, (5) COVID-19 mortality rates for inmates, (6) COVID-19 mortality rates for correctional officers and prison staff, (7) COVID-19 infection rates for inmates, (8) COVID-19 infection rates for correctional officers and prison staff, and (9) uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The estimated time to review the Alabama State Department of Corrections COVID-19 responses on their website and complete the survey items was 45 minutes to 1 hour. Results Of the 21 participants who completed the COVID-19 Health Review for Correctional Facilities survey, 48% (n=10) identified as female, 43% (n=9) identified as male, and 10% (n=2) identified as transgender. For race, 29% (n=6) self-identified as Black or African American, 24% (n=5) Asian, 24% (n=5) White, 5% (n=1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 19% (n=4) Other. In addition, 5 respondents self-identified as returning citizens. For COVID-19 review questions, the majority concluded that information on personal protective equipment was “poor” and “very poor,” information on COVID-19 testing was “fair” and above, information on COVID-19 death/infection rates between inmates and staff was “good” and “very good,” and information on vaccinations was “good” and “very good.” There was a significant difference observed (P=.03) between nonreturning citizens and returning citizens regarding the health grade review with respect to available information on COVID-19 infection rates. Conclusions COVID-19 health reviews may provide an opportunity for the public to review the COVID-19 responses in correctional settings.

Social media, in the form of digital videos, targeted people with limited health literacy, as well as disadvantaged or marginalized groups, may help reduce cancer health disparities and improve health outcomes in these populations. In this article, we document the process of adapting the content from the Cancer 101 curriculum to create animated scripts about the cancer care continuum that is clear, straightforward, and in plain language. The development of the Cancer 101 digital videos required a multidisciplinary collaboration from - public health, medicine, technology, and expertise in correctional health, smoking cessation, web development, video producers, and individuals directly impacted by cancer disparities. The Cancer 101 videos were showcased at a community health fair where the videos were viewed by attendants waiting to be seen by a medical provider. While waiting for their cancer screening, thirteen individuals were selected and invited to watch all eleven videos totaling less than 60-minutes of viewing time. Overall, participants agreed that they would recommend the videos to friends/family and that they plan to watch other video modules to learn more information about cancer. Additionally, participants enjoyed the graphics and audio of the videos presented. Furthermore, participants noted that Cancer 101 digital videos described cancer in plain language, leading to a better understanding of the disease. Future research is needed to implement Cancer 101 digital videos in healthcare clinics to increase cancer information and improve cancer screening rates in marginalized communities. Citation Format: Pamela Valera, Luis Alzate-Duque, Nicholas Acuna. The development of cancer digital videos to increase participation in marginalized communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2551.

Background: The cancer health justice lab [CHJL] formed in 2019, is a multidisciplinary lab comprised of underrepresented undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and diverse professionals in public health, social work, nutrition, medicine, nursing, and criminal justice. Using a social determinants of health framework, CHJL focuses on mentoring and training students from underrepresented backgrounds to increase participation in cancer health disparities research and practice. Methods: In collaboration with the Northeast Regional Alliance HCOP Academy Program (NERA), a program that supports minority and economically disadvantaged undergraduate and high school students interested in health careers, and the Rutgers Bloustein School of Public Policy and Planning, CHJL recruits 3-4 interns per semester. Didactics include leading journal clubs focusing on social determinants of health, health disparities, adverse childhood experiences, and health equity topics. Responsibilities include developing, designing, and implementing a community-based initiative that serves vulnerable populations, grant writing, and peer-reviewed article publications in high impact journals. Results: CHJL currently has 24 members - 14 members are active, including seven interns. Two former interns have been hired as research assistants and are currently pursuing a master's degree in public health. Past members are pursuing postgraduate level education in public health and biomedical sciences. CHJL has generated seven peer-reviewed articles on areas including: systematic reviews of digital cancer education, mental health and social ties of people who are incarcerated and implementing evidence-based practices in state prisons. Current projects include research to understand smoking and vaping behaviors among sexual and gender minority groups; Cancer 101 videos, a short video on COVID-19 for Spanish speakers; auto-complete searches language bias in COVID-19, medication-assisted treatment in jails, group-based counseling, and smoking cessation treatment in prisons, and colorectal cancer screening in urban populations. Conclusion: CHJL addresses health inequities through education, mentoring, advocacy, training, and research. It serves as a model to increase diversity in the health-related workforce and a mechanism for historically underrepresented groups in medicine and public health to contribute to science. This multidisciplinary approach may be useful in educating the next generation of public health and health-related professionals. Furthermore, CHJL could serve as a venue to reduce social isolation and feelings of otherness that may contribute to health inequities. Citation Format: Nadia Smith, Sarah Malarkey, Pamela Valera, Luis Alzate-Duque, Humberto Baquerizo. A health and justice lab to address cancer related health disparities and social determinants of health in marginalized communities: The Cancer Health Justice Lab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2554.

Background: Overall, Essex County, New Jersey's age-adjusted prevalence for completion of colorectal cancer screening is 71.5%; however, Black and Latinx residents have a lower colorectal cancer screening rate of 65%. To increase urban residents' colorectal screening rates, we used venue-based recruitment to educate the community about fecal immunochemical testing. Methods: Education about fecal immunochemical testing was implemented at community-based events following a colorectal cancer education session. These sessions were carried out in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Eligibility criteria included the following: (1) between the ages of 45-85 and (2) not current with U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended colorectal cancer screening. Eligible participants who agreed to participate were provided a fecal immunochemical testing kit and instructed to complete these kits to be returned within two weeks. Patient navigators followed up with study participants to explore barriers to completion and facilitate the fecal immunochemical testing kit's timely return. Results: Approximately 132 participants received the fecal immunochemical testing kit, and 55% were returned. On average, participants who received the fecal immunochemical testing kit were at least 60 years of age, 11% were men, 71% indicated no primary care provider, 72% reported no health insurance, and 81% reported no prior colorectal cancer screening. Of the 55% of the fecal immunochemical testing kit that was returned, 9 (12%) were positive for occult blood, and two diagnostic colonoscopies were completed. Participants noted several barriers to completing and returning the fecal immunochemical testing kit. They noted the following barriers: misplaced or loss of fecal immunochemical testing kit, limited time, and perceived comfortability of handling a stool sample. Discussion: Targeting study participants at community-based events may increase access to colorectal screening for underserved populations. Barriers to colorectal cancer screening could be mitigated by co-locating colorectal cancer screening education in the community. Citation Format: Luis Alzate-Duque, Pamela Valera, Vivian Cueto, Ashna Shome, Ana Natale-Pereira. Venue-based recruitment to increase colorectal screening rates using fecal immunochemical test in Essex County, New Jersey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2543.

Using constructivist grounded theory, we conducted 15 semistructured interviews of men and women with criminal justice backgrounds, and three focus groups to examine group level offender reentry strategies. Participants comprised 20 formerly incarcerated men and women who were incarcerated in a New York state prison or at Rikers Island, New York City’s main jail complex. This study revealed four keys to offender reintegration: (a) linking offenders to society; (b) institutional and community anchors; (c) social supports; and (d) personal epiphany. The keys to offender reintegration provide an opportunity to interrupt patterns of relapse, rearrest, and recidivism.

The purpose of this article is to articulate the incoming Co-Editors’ plan, mission, and vision to preserve and enhance the quality and reputation of the Journal of Social Action in Counseling and Psychology. Further, it provides some background about each editor, and offers words of appreciation to the individuals and the academic institutions that support them as Co-Editors.

HIV prevalence in correctional populations is approximately five times that of the general adult population. This systematic review examines the broad question of HIV prevention and interventions to reduce inmate HIV-related risk behaviors in U.S. federal and state prisons. We conducted a systematic review of multiple databases and Google Scholar to identify behavioral, biomedical, social, and policy studies related to HIV among U.S. prison populations from 1980 – 2014. Studies were excluded if they did not focus on HIV, prison inmates, if they were conducted outside of the U.S., if they involved juvenile offenders, or if they included post-release outcomes. Twenty-seven articles met the study criteria. Evidence suggests that research related to the HIV care continuum, risk behaviors, gender, prevention (e.g., peer education), and policy are key topics to enhance HIV prevention interventions in the criminal justice system. This review provides a prison-specific overview of HIV in U.S. correctional populations and highlight effective interventions, including inmate peer education. There is an urgent need to continue to implement HIV prevention interventions across all prisons and improve the quality of life among those at heightened risk of HIV infection.

Incarcerated men, an understudied population, have not been the focus of cancer prevention studies. The Cancer Risk in Incarcerated Men Study was developed to examine smoking behaviors and cancer health among 236 incarcerated men. The participants were between 19 and 86 years of age. Only 30.5% of the sample reported receiving a cancer screening test and less than 5% reported being diagnosed with cancer. In terms of the cancer screening test provided, 43.6% reported having had a prostate-specific antigen test, 19.2% a fecal occult blood test, and 11.4% a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. Age was the only significant predictor of having a cancer screening procedure (

Incarcerated men in the United States, an understudied population, have not been the focus of cancer prevention research. This pilot study explored the impact of Cancer 101 for imprisoned male smokers to increase cancer knowledge and promote cancer prevention activities in the prison population. Cancer 101 was pilot tested for adoption with representatives from the target audience in three prison facilities located in the northeastern region of the United States, and based on their feedback, modifications were implemented. Pretest and posttest surveys were used to assess knowledge of attitudes regarding the benefits of cancer prevention activities at baseline and immediately after completing Cancer 101. Furthermore, a paired t test procedure was used to determine whether cancer knowledge improved after participating in the Cancer 101 program. A total of 161 men completed all of the modules, participated in pre/post assessments, and qualitatively described their behavioral intentions to participate in activities that could reduce cancer risk. The mean cancer knowledge scores differed before and after completing Cancer 101, t(163) = -14.67, p < .001. Regarding age, the older the respondent, the higher their cancer knowledge score, r = .29, p < .001. This study showed improvements in cancer knowledge scores and behavioral intentions to participate in activities to reduce cancer. Cancer 101 provides opportunities for inmates to increase cancer knowledge, as well as promote action for cancer control during incarceration.

We examined the prevalence of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV in a cohort of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men [sexual minority men (SMM)]. HPV vaccination uptake was assessed; HIV antibody testing was performed and genetic testing for oral and anal HPV infection was undertaken. We examined both HPV vaccination and infection in relation to key demographic and structural variables. Participants (n = 486) were on average 23 years old; 70% identified as a member of a racial/ethnic minority group, and 7% identified as transgender females. Only 18.1% of the participants indicated having received the full dosage of HPV vaccination and 45.1% were unvaccinated. Slightly over half the participants (58.6%) were infected with HPV, with 58.1% testing positive for anal infection and 8.8% for oral infection. HIV seropositivity was associated with infection to oral HPV [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.03] and vaccine-preventable HPV, whereas both neighborhood-level poverty (AOR = 1.68) and HIV infection (AOR = 31.13) were associated with anal infection to HPV (AOR = 1.68). Prevalence of HPV infection is high among unvaccinated young SMM, despite the availability and eligibility for vaccination. HPV infection adds further health burden to these populations and is particularly concerning for those who are HIV positive as HIV infection increases the risk of developing HPV-related cancers. These findings underscore a missed prevention opportunity for an at-risk and underserved population and suggest the need for active strategies to increase HPV vaccination uptake in young SMM before the onset of sexual behavior.

To determine smoking behaviors, quit attempts, and cessation preferences among incarcerated smokers, a cross-sectional survey was given to a sample of inmates from three state prison facilities in the United States. A majority of Black smokers (62%) identified as smokers, and 38% identified as ex-smokers, as compared to 46.4 percent of smokers (and 53.6% of ex-smokers) in the non-Black group. There were significant differences in the number of cigarettes smoked per day with non-Black smokers smoking one pack ( M = 20.44, standard deviation = 15.86) than Black smokers ( M = 14.49, standard deviation = 13.43; t = −2.50, p = 0.014). Smoking cessation interventions are needed to reduce smoking during incarceration.

The purpose of this study was to identify the perspectives from key leaders of community-based organizations (CBOs) and clinics serving people living with HIV on barriers and facilitators of smoking cessation among Latino smokers living with HIV. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and Spanish with 10 key leaders. Using a social ecological model, qualitative theoretical analysis was used to analyze the results. Participants identified barriers at the individual (e.g., low education level, HIV, and financial stress), interpersonal (e.g., language barriers, low social support), organizational (e.g., lack of smoking cessation resources and targeted interventions), community (e.g., HIV and mental health stigma), and policy (e.g., paperwork for insurance) level. Participants identified facilitators at the individual (e.g., high participation in trials, good medication adherence), interpersonal (e.g., no smoking in social circles), organizational (e.g., bilingual staff, culturally competent care), community (e.g., providing transportation, the coronavirus disease 2019 as an opportunity for smoking cessation), and policy level (e.g., existence of funding, comprehensive insurance programs). These results provide operational strategies to address smoking disparities among Latino smokers living with HIV. Further research is needed on how to integrate these perspectives into effective smoking cessation interventions.

This small, mixed-methods study sought to understand the use of special housing units among formerly incarcerated men. In the present study, 110 participants were placed in solitary confinement, ranging from ≤30 days to 20 years, with a mean of 2 years ( SD = 2.55). These men ranged in age from 35 to 67 years, with a mean age of 46 years. Years of incarceration ranged from less than 30 days to 34 years; the mean number of years incarcerated was 4 ( SD = 6.39). Of the 110 participants, qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 men to explore their experiences during time spent in solitary. The qualitative themes that emerged from the study were getting special housing units might be used for punishment, getting used to solitary, and getting solitary might mean peace of mind. Personalized reentry plans for men placed in special housing units facilities are urgently needed.

While there is a growing body of literature on medical mistrust and its relevance to public health, research on formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men and their perception of mistrust toward medical providers and medical institutions remains scant. Very little is known about whether formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men mistrust medical and clinical providers given their previous experiences with the criminal justice system. It is important to determine whether medical mistrust play a key role in the health and health behaviors of released Black and Latino men. The purpose of this study is to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale for use among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men in New York City. The findings of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses state that a two-factor structure fit the data best. Two dimensions emerged as important subscales: discrimination and suspicion. The current findings suggest the two-factor Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale is a valid and reliable assessment tool to discern medical mistrust levels among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men.

BACKGROUND: Linkage to community health and social services after incarceration is often inadequate. This is troubling, because risk taking and poor health are common immediately after release, and access to health providers and insurance helps individuals to transition home. OBJECTIVES: This article describes how faculty and clinicians at a large academic health center in New York City, established partnerships with justice programs to jointly develop services that aimed to increase health care access for men in the justice system. METHODS: We describe how faculty and students from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH), clinicians from New York-Presbyterian Hospital's (NYPH) Young Men's Clinic (YMC) and project STAY, and staff from justice programs collaborated to increase access to care. RESULTS: We highlight the characteristics of successful partnerships drawn from the literature on community-based participatory research. CONCLUSION: We conclude with a discussion of some challenges we encountered and lessons we learned about establishing and sustaining partnerships with court, probation, parole, reentry, and diversion programs while educating the next generation of public health leaders. Language: en