Baseline gender differences of parolees and probationers participating in a randomized trial of HIV testing

Background: HIV testing, prevention, and treatment have been ignored among community corrections populations. Many of these individuals are not tested and are at increased risk for contracting and transmitting HIV. Among individuals who are HIV positive, many are not engaging in care. Through Seek, Test, and Treat (STT) grants, NIDA aims to encourage research that expands HIV testing, therapy, transmission reduction efforts as well as increasing engagement in treatment among historically high-risk populations. A systematic examination of the role of gender in evaluating the effectiveness of on-site HIV testing for probationers and parolees is vitally important to determine the extent to which gender impacts HIV testing in this population. Methods: The parent study examines the feasibility of HIV testing among community corrections populations using a randomized controlled study of on-site versus off-site testing. The current study examines: 1) baseline gender differences of those agreeing to be randomized for HIV testing versus those that refused randomization; and 2) the reasons individuals refused HIV testing. This poster will present preliminary data on the first 1000 participants who provided consent and completed baseline assessments. Results: Results indicate that female participants were more likely to agree to be randomized for HIV testing (68%) as compared to males (54.6%) [p = .008]. Furthermore, the majority of participants refused randomization reported they were tested within the past year and did not feel they needed to be tested again. Conclusions: Preliminary analysis suggests gender may play a role in an individual's decision to be tested for HIV.