To compare the willingness for HCV testing, HCV-knowledge, socio economic status, and HCV related risky behavior among male and female Latino offenders. Participants (n = 201) were recruited from the corrections system in Miami and interviewed. Backward stepwise logistic regression was conducted to compare gender-associated risk. Females (n = 81) were more likely to be engaged in risky sexual and drug behavior compared to males (n = 120). Overall, around 70% of the study population were interested to be tested for HCV if offered with no gender difference (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.4-4.9). However, females were more likely to have lower income (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) and engage in more HCV related risky sexual behaviors (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.2), despite having better HCV related knowledge in five out of six items (OR 1.5-3.2), but had less crime activity (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.8). HCV screening among Latino offenders would offer an efficient opportunity to reduce its burden as well as increase knowledge among vulnerable and high-risk population.
Keywords: Criminal justice system; Drug use; Hepatitis C virus (HCV); Latinos; Risky sexual behavior.