Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Intervention Study for Transgender Women of Color

Issues: Transgender women of color are at high risk for substance abuse and HIV/STIs. The development of evidence-based HIV and substance abuse prevention programs for transgender women is essential and necessary. Description: Transgender Empowerment and Motivational Intervention (TEAM-I) is a collaborative community-based randomized controlled study targeting high risk African American and Latina transgender women in San Francisco and Alameda Counties. As of February 2012, 85 participants have enrolled in this study. Participants are recruited through community outreach based on purposive sampling. Health Educators were trained for motivational interviewing techniques to reduce substance abuse and HIV risk behaviors following a curriculum which addresses specific issues among transgender women (e.g., transphobia, sex work). Participants are randomly assigned to Brief Intervention (two 2-hour counseling sessions), Motivational Enhancement Intervention (six 2-hour counseling sessions) or a control group. Participants' risk behaviors are assessed at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups using a structured questionnaire. Health Educators' intervention sessions are closely monitored by a clinical supervisor for assuring fidelity. Lessons learned: Partnership with community based organizations is essential to provide expertise in reaching/serving target populations. Collaboration with a community advisory board (CAB) is necessary to ensure that the intervention curriculum and procedures are appropriate and sensitive to the target population. Health Educators who are respected in the transgender community play crucial roles for recruitment and retention of participants. Recommendations: Rigorously implementing a randomized controlled study in transgender communities is feasible in collaboration with CAB. Upon the completion of data gathering, the effectiveness of intervention will be examined.