Effect of Substance Use Disorder on Detection and Treatment of COVID-19 in a Large County Jail

Abstract

Introduction Carceral facilities are epicenters of COVID-19 transmission, and the interplay of substance use disorder has created an additional challenge in detection. Our study describes outcomes related to the overlap of COVID-19 and substance use in a large county jail. Methods This is a retrospective study of adults who tested positive for COVID-19 while incarcerated at a county jail in 2020. Basic descriptive statistics were performed as well as two-tailed t-tests and chi-square analysis to determine the significance of differences between groups. Results 289 people were included in the study. The average age was 33 and 82% were male. Most cases were asymptomatic (42%) or mild (40%). People with active substance use disorder reported significantly higher rates of muscle aches and fatigue. 46% were released prior to completing the 10-day isolation period. Conclusions Most COVID-19 cases in the jail were mild. Symptoms did not significantly differ in those with concomitant substance use disorder. Most participants were released prior to completing isolation, increasing the risk for community spread