HIV Knowledge and Sexual Risk Taking Among Young Transgender Women in the Chicago and Boston Open Access

Abstract

Purpose: The fundamental aim of this analysis is to investigate the association between HIV knowledge and sexual risk taking, as affected by social stress, among young transgender women (YTW) aged 16-29.

Methods: These data were collected via in-person surveys. A total of 300 YTW ages 16-29 were recruited through multiple convenience and referral-based sampling techniques and were enrolled over a period of 36 months. Due to three incomplete surveys, this analysis examines data from a sample of n=297 YTW. Two outcomes were modeled using multivariate regression: HIV knowledge and sexual risk taking. Models controlled for age, race/ethnicity, and education.

Results: Almost all participants (95%) believed that condom use can prevent HIV and STIs. However, only 17% of sexually active participants who believed this also reported using condoms consistently. Just over one-third of all participants (34%) perceived that they were likely at risk for HIV infection, and 86% agreed that having multiple sexual partners is a risk factor for HIV. Furthermore, more than half (53%) of sexually active participants reported having multiple sex partners in the past 3 months. Only 23% of these participants reported consistent condom use during that time.

Conclusion: The significant gaps in the literature addressing transgender health include the association between HIV knowledge and sexual risk taking. The strong association between these factors, as affected by social stress, demonstrates a need for more research. There is an urgent need for programs and interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors among YTW.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION…………………………………………......….7

OBJECTIVES & AIMS……………………………………………………….….13

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW…………………...…………...….....14

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………..14

HIV RISK FACTORS AND HIV PREVALENCE………………………….....14

TREATMENT AND INTERVENTION………………………………………..17

HEALTHCARE, STIGMA, AND HARASSMENT……………………..…….18

GAPS IN LITERATURE…………………………………………………….…..22

CHAPTER III: MANUSCRIPT…………………………………………………23

INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….....25

BACKGROUND………………………...…………………………………....….26

DATA & METHODS………………………………………………………........26

MEASUREMENTS…………………………………………………………..…..28

Social Support…………………………………………………………............28

Sexual Risk Taking……………………………………………………….........29

RESULTS…..…………………………………………………………………...…30

Sample Characteristics……………………………………………......……...30

HIV Knowledge…………………………………………………………...........31

Sexual Risk Taking……………………………………………………….........32

DISCUSSION…...……………………………………………………………......32

APPENDICES………………………………………………………………….....38

CHAPTER IV: RECOMMENDATIONS………………….……………………41

CHAPTER V REFERENCES………………………………..……………….....43

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Sexual Risk Taking HIV Knowledge YTW AIDS Social Stress Transgender
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Hussen, Sophia A, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Hospital or other health care provider

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