Effects of the Connections program on return-to-custody, mortality and treatment uptake among people with a history of opioid use: Retrospective cohort study in an Australian prison system.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Connections is a voluntary health program that facilitates access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and social services for people with opioid use exiting prison. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of Connections in reducing recidivism and improving health outcomes for people with a history of opioid use on leaving prison.

Design

Retrospective cohort study with quasi-random allocation to the program.

Setting

Public adult prisons in New South Wales, Australia, 2008-2015.

Participants

Adults released from custody with a history of opioid use. Of 5549 eligible releasees, 3973 were allocated to Connections and 1576 to treatment-as-usual.

Measurements

Outcomes were return-to-custody, all-cause mortality, and OAT participation.

SUBMITTER: Sullivan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10952213 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature