Drug use in prisons: strategies for harm reduction (ANRS-PRIDE Program)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Criminology

Background:

• Risky practices, including drug use, are prevalent in prisons globally.
• Harm reduction (HR) measures, recommended by WHO and UNODC, are often poorly implemented in correctional facilities.
• This lack of implementation highlights inadequate public health concern and inequitable healthcare within prisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess a comprehensive research program for preventing infectious risks in French prisons.
• To evaluate the feasibility of enhancing existing harm reduction strategies within the prison setting.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an inventory of existing harm reduction measures.
• Performed a qualitative survey to understand risky practices.
• Assessed the social acceptability of HR interventions.
• Undertook an intervention trial to test the upgrading of HR strategies.

Main Results:

• The research program's progressive implementation proved feasible in the French prison context.
• Successful implementation requires sustained commitment, clear objectives, scientific backing, and stakeholder engagement.
• The study suggests the program's adaptability for international application.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing harm reduction strategies in prisons is achievable with a structured, long-term approach.
• Collaboration between researchers, authorities, and prison staff is vital for success.
• The findings support the principle of equivalent health and prevention services for incarcerated populations.