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| HCV:
The Correctional Conundrum
(continued) HIV Testing in the Correctional
Setting
Education regarding safer sexual practices and other risk reduction is an essential part of pre-test counseling because this is when such counseling can have a real impact. This information can (and should) be repeated at post-test counseling, since a women testing negative may erroneously conclude that her behaviors are not so risky after all. Two other critical components of post-test education should include discussion of the benefits of early diagnosis and education regarding repeated testing, especially if potential exposure continues. The personnel providing pre and post-test counseling must realize that for many women, access and opportunity for healthcare outside the prison walls are limited by multiple psychosocial and logistical obstacles. Incarceration is a unique opportunity for education and empowerment of these women regarding health promotion, disease prevention, and disease process. However, incarceration does create real concerns about loss of confidentiality and fear of stigma that can prevent women from presenting for voluntary testing while in custody. HIV testing and education should be offered more than once during incarceration, especially to women with the following conditions: pregnancy, diagnosis of prior or current sexually transmitted disease, diagnosis of cervical neoplasm or dysplasia, diagnosis of Hepatitis B or C, history of commercial sex work, history of sexual abuse, or history of drug use. |
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