Increasing voluntary HIV testing by offering oral tests in incarcerated populations.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports responses of incarcerated persons to voluntary blood and oral HIV testing. METHODS: Males and females in local detention and juvenile justice facilities in Maryland (n = 1314) chose oral or blood testing and reported reactions to the oral HIV test. The relationship of demographics and HIV risk factors to test choice was examined. RESULTS: Reactions to oral testing were very favorable; some participants reported that they would not otherwise have been tested. Participants who chose 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 voluntary testing among persons who otherwise would refuse or avoid testing, especially among groups (males and African Americans) disproportionately affected by HIV.