The following three questions are the ones that I find most important to ask from the research article conducted about: Health Care Practices and Associated Service Needs in a Sample of HIV-Positive Incarcerated Men in Puerto Rico: Implications for Retention in Care. I find these questions to be essential because this was a pilot program and perhaps mistakes were made, by looking past a large portion of the prison population. Q – Why did the researchers choose to use the simple random sample method instead of stratified random sampling? A – Simple random sampling was used instead of stratified random sampling to remain unbiased when choosing the participants. Considering each member of the overall population has an equal likelihood of being selected, it is regarded as a fair method of selecting a sample from a larger population. Since this was a pilot program, the researchers knew little about the prison population. Therefore, to use stratified random sampling, they would have needed to divide the sample group into subgroups and make assumptions about the sub-groups, not the whole population (Investopedia). Q – If early detection and treatment are beneficial in stopping the spread of HIV, then why were the eligibility of participants restricted to only a detectable viral load of HIV, and not all HIV-positive prisoners? A – The CDC reports a viral load of 200 or less to be undetectable for HIV. However, the benefits of beginning treatment as soon as possible are that it reduces transmission risk earlier and reduces the likelihood of AIDS-related occurrences and other health issues in the future. Evidence-based practice showed that early treatment can decrease morbidity and death (stopping the virus). Q – Were the participants ever subjected to random drug testing while incarcerated? A – Drug testing inmates’ is conducted for the safety of the other prisoners and guards. Inmates are more likely to report drug use privately to a researcher if they are guaranteed no adverse consequences. When questioned by the criminal justice system, inmates are most likely to lie about their drug use, so any self-reporting should not be trusted (Iris Pub.).

Resources:

Hayes, A., Boyle, M., Overcast, K., (03/23). Investopedia, Simple Random Sampling: Six Basic Steps with Examples. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/simple-random-sample. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (06/22). Stop the Virus, Working Together to Help Stop HIV, Empower Your Patients to Initiate Treatment ASAP. https://www.helpstoptheviruspro.com. Akinyemi, G., (09/18). Iris Publishers, Global Journal of Forensic Science & Medicine – GJFSM. Drug Testing in the Prison System. https://irispublishers.com/gjfsm/fulltext/drug-testing-in-the-prison-system.