Objective: To describe sociodemographic, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV seroprevalence in an urban male-to-female (MtF) transgender population.
Methods: MtF transgenders were recruited from 3 local CBOs with transgender-specific HIV prevention services. Each participant received a standardized interview and an oral fluid-based HIV antibody test. A follow-up interview and HIV antibody test was administered not less than 6 months after the baseline.
Results: 244 transgendered persons enrolled in the study. 49% were Latino, 21% Asian, 15% white, 7% African-American, and 7% mixed or other. 54% were less than 30 years of age and only 11% were older than 40 years. Most reported their gender identity as "woman or female" (56%) and their sexual orientation as heterosexual (77%). 50% reported annual incomes of less than $12,000 per year, 65% had no health insurance and 32% had no regular source of health care services. 50% reported sex work as a major source of income. 46% reported unprotected receptive anal sex and 14% unprotected insertive anal sex in the past 6 months. 13% reported a previous STD diagnosis. While only 8% reported injecting drug use, 39% reported injecting hormones in the past 6 months. Injection of other substances, such as silicone, to enhance gender presentation was also frequently reported (33%). Only 3% had undergone sex reassignment surgery. HIV seroprevalence was 22%.
Conclusions: The preliminary results confirm that many in the Los Angeles transgender community are already HIV-infected and many others are at very high risk of infection.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:1. Recognize the complexity of the transgender experience related to HIV risk. 2. Recognize the high HIV seroprevalence in this population. 3. Understand the need for targeted HIV prevention services sensitive to the needs of the trnasgender population
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.