Increasing voluntary HIV testing by offering oral tests in incarcerated populations

Objectives. This study reports responses of incarcerated persons to volunta ry blood and oral HIV testing. Methods. Males and females in local detention and juvenile justice faciliti es in Maryland (n = 1314) chose oral or blood testing and reported reaction s to the oral HIV test. The relationship of demographics and HIV risk facto rs to test choice was examined. Results. Reactions to oral testing were very favorable; some participants r eported that they would not otherwise have been tested. Participants who ch ose oral testing were more likely to be male and African American, but they did not differ from those who chose blood testing in most risk factors or in seroprevalence. Conclusions, Oral HIV testing in correctional settings may promote voluntar y testing among persons who otherwise would refuse or avoid testing, especi ally among groups (males and African Americans) disproportionately affected by Hill.