Incarceration is associated with substantial short-term increases in HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition risk among people who inject drugs (PWID) and may be a significant driver of HCV and HIV transmission among PWID. This according to a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to assess whether incarceration history elevates HIV or HCV acquisition among PWID. Published results from 20 studies and unpublished results from 21 studies were included. Researchers found:

• Recent incarceration was associated with an 81% (relative risk [RR] 1.81) increase in HIV acquisition risk and a 62% (RR 1.62) increase in HCV acquisition risk, with moderate heterogeneity between studies.
• Past incarceration was associated with a 25% increase in HIV (RR 1.25) and a 21% increase in HCV (RR 1.21).
• Novel interventions to minimize the risk of HCV and HIV acquisition are needed in this vulnerable population.