Clements K, Marx R, Guzman R, Ikeda S, Katz M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 449 (abstract no. 23536).
San Francisco Dept of Public Health, USA.
OBJECTIVE: Although transgendered individuals are thought to be at high risk for HIV infection, there are no representative estimates of the level of HIV infection in this community. This study aims to estimate HIV prevalence in the Male-To-Female (MTF) and Female-To-Male (FTM) populations in San Francisco. METHODS: Transgendered individuals 18 years of age or older, who lived, worked or socialized in San Francisco in the past 6 months were eligible. Transgendered staff recruited individuals from social service agencies, clinics, bars, and street settings; participants also referred other eligibles. Subjects were interviewed on demographics, medical history, and risk behaviors, and were tested for HIV with the OraSure Oral Mucosal Transudate technique. We used EIA screening and Western blot confirmatory testing on specimens. RESULTS: Between July 1 and December 31, 1997, we recruited 642 individuals; 583 (91%) were eligible, of whom 519 (89%) completed the study. The mean age of the sample was 35.6 years (range: 18-67 years) and most participants were living in San Francisco (85%). Three-fourths of the participants were MTF, 24% were FTM, and 7 individuals were born intersexed. The MTF sample was racially diverse (28% White, 27% Latina, 27% African-American, 12% Asian/PI and 6% Other) while the FTM sample was predominantly White (66% White, 13% Latino, 9% African-American, 6% Asian/PI, and 4% Other). The prevalence of HIV infection was significantly higher among MTF individuals (35%) than FTMs (2%) (p < .001). Among the MTFs, HIV prevalence was higher in those 30 years and older compared to younger individuals (31% vs. 20%; p = .02), and in African-Americans compared to other racial groups (61% vs. 26%; p = .001). CONCLUSION: HIV prevalence in MTFs, particularly among African Americans, is higher than in San Francisco's gay/bisexual male and injection drug using populations. Our results suggest an urgent need for effective HIV prevention and access to health services for the transgendered population.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS Vaccines
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- African Americans
- Bisexuality
- Female
- HIV
- HIV Antibodies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- HIV Seroprevalence
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Male
- Prevalence
- Risk-Taking
- San Francisco
- Sexual Behavior
- Transsexualism
- epidemiology
Other ID:
UI: 102229163
From Meeting Abstracts