Suicide risk and mental health co-morbidities in a probationer population.

Mental health problems are disproportionately represented in the community corrections system with limited information on the epidemiology of mental health and correlated factors such as suicide among probationers. This study recruited 2,077 probationers who completed screeners for mental health and substance disorders and suicide risk. Results found 13% of probationers were at high risk of suicide. Those who screened positive for a mental health condition were between 2 and 8 times more likely to screen positive for suicide risk. Allocation of additional resources to mental health in the criminal justice system and to effectively coordinate existing mental health services is needed.

Patient Research Interest Differences by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: A North Texas Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (NorTex) Study.

BACKGROUND: Recruiting and increasing participation of women and racial/ethnic groups remains an ongoing struggle despite the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act mandating the inclusion of these populations. This study examined gender and racial/ethnic differences in research interest in participating in Practice-Based Research Network studies focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, cancer, and mental health research. METHODS: A total of 1348 participants and 18 NorTex clinics from the North Texas Primary Care Registry Project (NRP) database were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants who signed up through the registry to participate in future research projects and self-reported as non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, or non-Hispanic Black were included. Research interest in heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart failure were categorized as CVD; depression and anxiety were categorized as mental health; diabetes and cancer research were coded as single item dependent variables. RESULTS: Of registry participants, 72% were female, 34.5% were Black, and 24.4% were Hispanic. Of participants, 70% (n = 942) were interested in CVD research, the leading area of interest. Mental health research (56.3%, n = 755) was the second highest area of interest, while cancer had the least interest (38.4%, n = 515). After controlling for age, smoking, and having a diagnosis of the medical condition, gender did not predict interest in CVD, diabetes, cancer, or mental health research. However, race/ethnicity significantly predicted interest in diabetes and cancer research. CONCLUSION: Results indicate there are racial/ethnic differences in interest in specific research topics among our registry participants. This information may be helpful to develop successful recruitment strategies.

Cross-site Monitoring and Evaluation of the Care and Prevention in the United States Demonstration Project, 2012-2016: Selected Process and Short-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) Demonstration Project was a 4-year (2012-2016) cross-agency demonstration project that aimed to reduce HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality among racial/ethnic minority groups in 8 states (Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). Its goals were to increase the identification of undiagnosed HIV infections and optimize the linkage to, reengagement with, and retention in care and prevention services for people with HIV (PWH). We present descriptive findings to answer selected cross-site process and short-term outcome monitoring and evaluation questions. METHODS: We answered a set of monitoring and evaluation questions by using data submitted by grantees. We used a descriptive qualitative method to identify key themes of activities implemented and summarized quantitative data to describe program outputs and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 155 343 total HIV tests conducted by all grantees, 558 (0.36%) tests identified people with newly diagnosed HIV infection. Of 4952 PWH who were presumptively not in care, 1811 (36.6%) were confirmed as not in care through Data to Care programs. Navigation and other linkage, retention, and reengagement programs reached 10 382 people and linked to or reengaged with care 5425 of 7017 (77.3%) PWH who were never in care or who had dropped out of care. Programs offered capacity-building trainings to providers to improve cultural competency, developed social marketing and social media campaigns to destigmatize HIV testing and care, and expanded access to support services, such as transitional housing and vocational training. CONCLUSIONS: CAPUS grantees substantially expanded their capacity to deliver HIV-related services and reach racial/ethnic minority groups at risk for or living with HIV infection. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of implementing novel and integrated programs that address social and structural barriers to HIV care and prevention.