Principal Investigators: Michael Copenhaver, Ph.D. & Frederick Altice, M.D.

Brief Overview

PLUS is a program designed to help reduce HIV risk and improve ARV adherence among newly released HIV-infected drug-involved prisoners as they are in the process of transitioning to the community.

Population

Adult HIV-infected, newly released prisoners with a history of injection drug use

Core Components of Intervention

• Mode of Delivery and Duration:  Four 45-minute sessions provided in either individual or group format
• Setting:  Prisons or community-based organizations (Hartford & New Haven, CT, US)
• Theoretical Basis:  Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model (Fisher & Fisher, 1992); adapted from the Holistic Health Recovery Program for HIV-infected persons (HHRP).
• Materials Available:  None

Evidence

The PLUS intervention was adapted based on formative interviews with medical and drug treatment providers in prison and community-based settings (Copenhaver et al., 2009).  Results of the feasibility study are forthcoming.

Implementation History

None

Contact Info

Michael Copenhaver, Ph.D.
358 Mansfield Road, Unit 2101
Storrs, CT 06269-2101
Phone: 860.486.5664
Email: michael.copenhaver@uconn.edu