RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To implement a pilot study of risk behaviour and HIV infection using HIV antibody testing from saliva to improve the situation as regards HIV/AIDS infection in prison institutions in the Slovak Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised adult and juvenile males of grade one correction categories and prisoners from the prison for juveniles in Martin, as well as females prisoners in Nitra. Preventive activities were implemented in May 1998 in the form of discussions concerning topics related to HIV/AIDS infection. Saliva was collected for the presence of HIV antibodies and a questionnaire regarding sexual practice was completed. RESULTS: 32 persons [8 adult males (25%), 6 juvenile males (18.7%) and 18 females (56%)] were voluntarily tested for the presence of HIV antibodies in saliva. Nobody was HIV-positive. 75 persons (20 adult males, 30 juvenile males and 25 females) were involved in the study of risk behaviour. 40.8% participants had primary education, 28.2% secondary education, 2.8% were students of universities and 28.2% were apprenticies. 60% inmates (mostly females) were religious. Juvenile males reported the highest number of partners while females the smallest (p < 0.001). The more partners were reported by respondents, the lower was condom usage (p < 0.07). 47.6% females relied on credibility of partners, while 75% adult males and 50% adolescent males did not use protection. 0% females, 5% adult males and 10.3% juvenile males reported to have homosexual contacts outside prison while 19%, 5.6% and 8.3% in the prison, respectively. Paid sexual services were offered by 9.1% females, 15.8% adult males and 25% juvenile males. Outside prison adult and juvenile males used non-sterile used syringes as well as tattooing more often than females (p < 0.07 and p < 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study provides information on the results of HIV-antibody testing in saliva. The results are based on a study of risk behaviour and difficulties linked with HIV/AIDS prevention among prisoners.
