Comprehensive approach to herpes and hepatitis prevention among transgender people in Puerto Rico

The transgender populations are not only socially marginalized, but also disenfranchised in the public health sector. The lack of attention to the health care needs of these populations is true for several geographical and contextual locations. In Puerto Rico, this scenario is evidenced through the absence of health-related data to promote health among transgender people. Currently, all the public health efforts for health care among these populations have been organized by CBOs and are mostly oriented to HIV/AIDS prevention.

This comprehensive approach to herpes and hepatitis prevention among transgender people is a collaborative effort from a local CBO and the UPR – School of Public Health. The needs to address these health concerns where identified through a need assessment among trans people in the San Juan area following mixed-method design. The program is oriented to identify existing barriers to STD prevention and to evaluate protective factors associated with trans identity and hepatitis and herpes prevention. Activities are based on the Social Cognitive Theory and oriented to influence on individuals' environment and their capabilities to make changes in their attitudes, behaviors and beliefs regarding hepatitis and herpes prevention. Among the health education and health promotion strategies were included educational, communication and social interventions. Participants of this program have been able to identify identity-based protective and risk behaviors associated with herpes and hepatitis. Also, this collaborative effort has served as an example of how comprehensive approaches can be implemented to achieve an articulated public health effort.