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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Erin C. Wilson, MPH¹, Marvin Belzer, MD¹, Robert Garofalo, MD, MPH², Ellen Iverson, MPH³, Miguel Martinez, MPH/MSW¹, Amy Herrick, MA⁴, and the Adolescent Trials Network For HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN)⁵. (1) Division of Adolescent Medicine, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, #2, Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323-669-2390, ewilson@chla.usc.edu, (2) Howard Brown Health Center/Children's Memorial Hospital, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613, (3) Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., MS #30, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (4) Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613, (5) National Institute of Child Health & Human Development/NIH, Pediatric, Adolescent & Maternal AIDS Branch, 6100 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852

In the U.S., MTF transgender populations are marginalized, understudied, and report among the highest rates of HIV. Needs assessments and behavioral risk studies have reported HIV prevalence estimates among MTF transgender women that range from 14% to as high as 47%. Due to the long incubation period for HIV, it is likely that many MTF transgender women were infected during adolescence or young adulthood. Therefore, MTF transgender youth are a growing concern.

Despite these high rates of infection, little data exists to guide development of interventions for MTF transgender populations, particularly youth. In response to this need, a two-site study was conducted in Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois to examine the individual, social, cultural, and community factors associated with HIV risk behaviors among 150 MTF transgender youth ages 14-24. Preliminary analysis of the data collected to date suggests that many social and cultural factors (e.g. experiences of discrimination at home, school, and work; homelessness; prevalence of sex work) are significantly associated with HIV risk behaviors. Data also suggested a number of possible protective factors that may help identify intervention strategies that foster resiliency among MTF transgender youth.

This roundtable discussion will focus on the multiple factors associated with HIV risk and protection among this vulnerable population. Findings from this study and implications for development of preventive interventions will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify at least three important HIV risk factors for MTF transgender youth.
• 2. Articulate the differences in HIV risk between MTF transgender youth and other at-risk populations.
• 3. Explain the specific needs of MTF transgender youth in relation to HIV prevention research and services, and identify strategies for intervention.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Youth

Related Web page: www.childrenshospitalla.org/11063.cfm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered