1
|
Weeden T, Garofalo R, Johnson AK, Schnall R, Cervantes M, Scherr T, Kuhns LM. Assessing Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Adult Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women. Acad Pediatr 2024:S1876-2859(24)00148-7. [PMID: 38631476 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. However, oral PrEP uptake is low, particularly among sexual and gender minority youth who are vulnerable to HIV infection. Alternative methods of PrEP delivery, such as long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP may overcome barriers and be preferred. However, attitudes and preferences of younger sexual and gender minorities towards LAI PrEP have not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to describe preferences for initiating LAI PrEP among sexual and gender minority youth. METHODS We analyzed data collected as part of an HIV prevention randomized trial from January 2022 to February 2023, using multiple regression to identify factors associated with a preference for LAI PrEP. RESULTS The study sample (N = 265) was 50% youth of color, mean age 25 years (SD=3.4, range=18-31), and primarily identified as gay (71%) and male (91%). Forty two percent had heard of LAI PrEP and 31% preferred LAI PrEP over other prevention methods. In multiple regression analysis, LAI PrEP preference was associated with identifying as White, previous PrEP experience, and perceived LAI PrEP efficacy. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that gaps in awareness exist for LAI PrEP, however it may be preferred over other prevention methods especially in White youth, those with PrEP experience and higher perceptions of its efficacy. More education and outreach are needed to prevent extension of existing race and ethnicity disparities in use of oral daily PrEP to LAI PrEP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terrance Weeden
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Amy K Johnson
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing (R Schnall), Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | - Marbella Cervantes
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Thomas Scherr
- Department of Chemistry (T Scherr), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suprasert B, Tate M, Reagan D, Ruiz R, Gao K, McNaughton K, Miller K, Marr A, Taylor KD, Wilson EC, McFarland W. Continuing Low Awareness and Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), San Francisco, 2022. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04308-z. [PMID: 38526638 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04308-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Clinical trials provide evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV acquisition including through sharing of injection equipment among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, uptake among many populations at risk for HIV has been slow, particularly among PWID. We examined data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) from San Francisco in 2022 to measure PrEP uptake and identify factors associated with PrEP awareness among PWID. Of 479 PWID with HIV-negative or unknown HIV status, 54.9% were aware of PrEP, 5.9% had discussed PrEP with a healthcare provider, and 1.5% had used PrEP in the past year. Lack of PrEP awareness was associated with being age 50 years and older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.40, 95% CI 0.27-0.60), being men who have sex with women (vs. men who have sex with men, aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.92), having a disability (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.95), using heroin as their most frequently injected drug (aOR 0.51, 95% CI, 0.34-0.78), not having tested for HIV, HCV, or an STD in the past year (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.64), and not having access to new sterile needles in the past year (aOR 0.28, 95%CI 0.08-1.00). We found negligible change in the awareness and uptake of PrEP among PWID since previously measured in NHBS in 2018. Low PrEP use among PWID may be addressed by increasing provider discussion of PrEP with their PWID patients and clients during routine care, expanding testing for injection-related infections among PWID, and integrating PrEP access into harm reduction programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bow Suprasert
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA.
| | - Moranda Tate
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Danyion Reagan
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Raul Ruiz
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Katherine Gao
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Katherine McNaughton
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Kassandra Miller
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Alexander Marr
- Institute of Global Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly D Taylor
- Institute of Global Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin C Wilson
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kanny D, Lee K, Olansky E, Robbins T, Trujillo L, Finlayson T, Morris E, Agnew-Brune C, Cha S, Chapin-Bardales J, Wejnert C. Overview and Methodology of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women - Seven Urban Areas, United States, 2019-2020. MMWR Suppl 2024; 73:1-8. [PMID: 38284875 PMCID: PMC10826683 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.su7301a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgender women, especially transgender women of color, are disproportionately affected by HIV. However, no surveillance system collects data on HIV risk factors among this population. To address this gap, CDC developed a surveillance system entitled National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women (NHBS-Trans) to assess behavioral and contextual data through systematic biobehavioral surveillance to monitor behavioral risk factors, prevention usage, and HIV prevalence among transgender women. NHBS-Trans used respondent-driven sampling in seven urban areas in the United States. Trained interviewers used a standardized, anonymous questionnaire to collect information on HIV-related behavioral risk factors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. Each of the seven participating project areas recruited approximately 200 eligible transgender women and offered anonymous HIV testing. Overall, in the seven project areas, 1,757 participants completed the eligibility screener for NHBS-Trans during 2019-2020; of these, 6.6% were seeds (i.e., a limited number of initial participants who were chosen by referrals from persons and community-based organizations who knew or were part of the local population of transgender women). A total of 1,637 (93.2%) participants were eligible, consented, and completed the interview. Of these, 1,624 (99.2%) agreed to HIV testing. Of the total 1,637 participants, 29 participants did not report identity of woman or transgender woman, resulting in a final sample of 1,608 transgender women. NHBS-Trans project area staff members (n = 14) reported that the survey was timely and addressed a critical need for HIV surveillance in a population that is often overlooked. The MMWR supplement includes this overview report on NHBS-Trans, which describes the methods (history, participant eligibility criteria, questionnaire, data collection, and HIV testing) as well as evaluation of project implementation and the performance of the questionnaire content, specifically the acceptability for transgender women. The other NHBS-Trans reports in the supplement include information on pre-exposure prophylaxis use, psychosocial syndemic conditions and condomless anal intercourse, nonprescription hormone use, homelessness, discrimination and the association between employment discrimination and health care access and use, and social support and the association between certain types of violence and harassment (gender-based verbal and physical abuse or harassment, physical intimate partner abuse or harassment, and sexual violence) and suicidal ideation. NHBS-Trans provides important data related to the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. Findings from NHBS-Trans can help guide community leaders, clinicians, and public health officials in improving access to and use of HIV prevention and treatment services by transgender women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women Study Group
- Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia; ICF, Fairfax, Virginia; Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodriguez A, Horvath KJ, Dowshen N, Voss R, Warus J, Jacobs M, Kidd KM, Inwards-Breland DJ, Blumenthal J. Awareness and utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV prevention services among transgender and non-binary adolescent and young adults. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 5:1150370. [PMID: 38318604 PMCID: PMC10839107 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1150370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals are disproportionally affected by HIV and face high rates of discrimination and stigmatization, resulting in limited access to HIV prevention services. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious for reducing the risk of HIV transmission. However, little research is available regarding PrEP awareness and utilization among TGNB adolescents and young adults (AYA). Methods TGNB AYA ages 15-24 years old were recruited between December 2021 and November 2022 for participation in a one-time, anonymous online survey study to assess PrEP awareness and perceptions, as well as barriers to its use. Participants were recruited from seven academic centers offering gender-affirming care to TGNB AYA across the United States. Results Of the 156 TGNB AYA individuals who completed the survey, most (67%) were aware of PrEP; however, few (7%) had been prescribed PrEP. Many (60%) had not spoken to a medical provider and, even if the medication was free and obtained confidentially, most participants did not plan to take PrEP due to low perceived HIV risk, lack of PrEP knowledge, and concern about interactions between their hormone therapy and PrEP. Discussion These findings underscore the need for broad PrEP educational efforts for both TGNB AYA and their providers to improve knowledge, identify potential PrEP candidates among TGNB AYA and improve access by addressing identified barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Keith J. Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nadia Dowshen
- Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Raina Voss
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jonathan Warus
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Megan Jacobs
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kacie M. Kidd
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, WVU Medicine Children’s, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | | | - Jill Blumenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Janamnuaysook R, Guo Y, Yu YJ, Phanuphak N, Kawichai S, MacDonell K, Jupimai T, Rongkavilit C, Wang B. Lived experiences with pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and adherence among transgender women in Thailand: a qualitative study. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23102. [PMID: 38219741 DOI: 10.1071/sh23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TGW) are disproportionately affected by HIV, and HIV prevalence among TGW in Thailand has been increasing. Although oral daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for HIV prevention, PrEP uptake and persistence among TGW have been low. This study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of TGW's experiences with PrEP uptake and adherence, and to identify major barriers to PrEP use to inform intervention adaptation. METHODS We interviewed 20 young TGW (six non-PrEP users, eight adherent, six non-adherent) and 10 health care providers from two HIV clinics in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2022. We focused on understanding challenges to PrEP use in this population using an interview guide based on a theoretical model of behaviour change and thematic content analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified major barriers to and facilitators of PrEP uptake and adherence. Barriers to PrEP initiation included low self-perceived HIV risk, concern about potential side-effects, patient burdens such as frequent HIV testing for prescription refills and social stigma against PrEP. Barriers to adherence included side-effects, inconvenient access to health services (especially during COVID-19 lockdowns), forgetfulness resulting from busy schedules and low self-perceived HIV risk. TGW also reported health care providers' stigma against PrEP users deterred them from seeking further PrEP services. TGW identified major facilitators of PrEP initiation, including awareness about the benefits of PrEP, concern about risks of HIV and supportive social networks of PrEP users. As to PrEP regimens, most TGW participants reported a clear preference for long-lasting, injectable PrEP over daily oral PrEP. TGW and health care providers largely agreed on barriers and facilitators of PrEP use, but they differed in perceptions of HIV risk. CONCLUSIONS The results highlighted challenges and opportunities to improve the delivery of PrEP, as well as other sexually transmissable infection and mental health services, especially among TGW. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing effective intervention programs that could raise PrEP awareness and knowledge, reduce PrEP stigma, and improve PrEP delivery systems among TGW in Thailand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rena Janamnuaysook
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand; and Center of Excellence in Transgender Health (CETH), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yan Guo
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yeon Jung Yu
- Department of Anthropology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand; and Center of Excellence in Transgender Health (CETH), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surinda Kawichai
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karen MacDonell
- Center for Translational Behavioral Research, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Thidarat Jupimai
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chokechai Rongkavilit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco-Fresno Branch Campus, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wolfe HL, Drainoni ML, Klasko-Foster L, Fix GM, Siegel J, Mimiaga MJ, Reisner SL, Hughto JM. Structural Equation Modeling of Stigma and HIV Prevention Clinical Services Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults: The Mediating Role of Substance Use and HIV Sexual Risk. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:300-309. [PMID: 36515898 PMCID: PMC9974738 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults experience high levels of stigma that contributes to elevated substance use and HIV sexual risk behaviors. Despite higher burdens of substance use and HIV compared to cisgender adults, TGD individuals may be less likely to engage in health care to avoid further discrimination. SETTING This analysis included 529 TGD adults in Massachusetts and Rhode Island who were HIV negative or had an unknown HIV serostatus and were purposively sampled between March and August 2019. METHODS We used structural equation modeling to test whether substance use, HIV sexual risk behaviors (ie, condom use, sex work, and multiple partners), and receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy mediate any observed association between TGD-related stigma and utilization of HIV prevention clinical services (ie, HIV prevention programs, PrEP use, and HIV testing). RESULTS Substance use and HIV sexual risk mediated the relationship between TGD-related stigma and utilization of HIV prevention clinical services (β = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.17; P = 0.03 and β = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.37; P < 0.001). Having a hormone therapy prescription was not a mediator between TGD-related stigma and HIV prevention clinical services. CONCLUSIONS Future interventions that aim to improve HIV prevention clinical services among TGD adults should consider the impact of TGD-related stigma on participants' substance use and sexual risk behaviors. These efforts require that health care organizations and community organizations make a deliberate investment in the reach and success of interventions and programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hill L. Wolfe
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Lynne Klasko-Foster
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Gemmae M. Fix
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer Siegel
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Transgender Health Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- University of California Los Angeles Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sari L. Reisner
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- General Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Jaclyn M.W. Hughto
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Gerwen OT, Blumenthal JS. Providing gender-affirming care to transgender and gender-diverse individuals with and at risk for HIV. TOPICS IN ANTIVIRAL MEDICINE 2023; 31:3-13. [PMID: 37018731 PMCID: PMC10089290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender-diverse populations have unique medical and psychosocial needs. It is important that clinicians address these needs with a gender-affirming approach in all aspects of health care for these populations. Given the significant burden of HIV experienced by transgender people, such approaches in providing HIV care and prevention are essential both to engage this population in care and to work toward ending the HIV epidemic. This review presents a framework for practitioners caring for transgender and gender-diverse individuals to deliver affirming, respectful health care in HIV treatment and prevention settings.
Collapse
|
8
|
Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in an Integrated Health Care System. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-03983-8. [PMID: 36650390 PMCID: PMC9844945 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse individuals face health disparities such as higher HIV prevalence, but limited studies have found low PrEP uptake among these populations. To understand both patient and provider perspectives regarding PrEP care for transgender and gender diverse individuals, we conducted a mixed-methods study at Kaiser Permanente Southern California from September 2020 to October 2021. Transgender and gender diverse adults (N = 396) participated in a web-based survey, and qualitative interviews were subsequently conducted with a subset of survey respondents (N = 32) and healthcare providers (N = 8). Among survey respondents, > 75% were familiar with PrEP, and > 40% reported at least one HIV risk factor, but < 5% had taken PrEP. Interview themes included increasing providers' inclusivity in primary care for transgender and gender diverse patients, and reducing logistical barriers and costs associated with PrEP-related visits. To improve PrEP uptake among transgender and gender diverse individuals, barriers across patient, provider, and health system levels must be addressed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chiu I, Leathers M, Cano D, Turner CM, Trujillo D, Sicro S, Arayasirikul S, Taylor KD, Wilson EC, McFarland W. HIV prevalence, engagement in care, and risk behavior among trans women, San Francisco: Evidence of recent successes and remaining challenges. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:1029-1037. [PMID: 35816424 PMCID: PMC9607899 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221111278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Trans women have high HIV prevalence and lag behind 90–90-90 targets for HIV care. In San Francisco in 2017, 96% of trans women were aware of their status, 75% were on antiretroviral therapy, 88% had viral suppression. Initiatives to address gaps include peer navigators, free gender-affirming surgery, and housing. Our study updates HIV prevalence and engagement in care among trans women. Methods Cross-sectional community-based survey of trans women living in San Francisco sampled by respondent-driven sampling, 7/2019–2/2020 (N = 201). Eligibility was: self-identified trans women or other gender and assigned male at birth; living in San Francisco; English/Spanish-speaking; and 18 years or older. Results HIV prevalence was 42.3% (95%CI 35.4.-49.4) and associated with having a partner who injected drugs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.30, 95%CI 1.58–6.90), ever injected drugs (AOR 2.28, 95%CI 1.06–4.89), cost not a barrier to healthcare (AOR 2.63, 95%CI 1.02–6.67), emotional support from family (AOR 2.85, 95%CI 1.43–5.65), and Black/African-American (AOR 2.59, 95%CI 1.16–5.79). Of trans women with HIV, 92.9% were previously diagnosed, 89.9% were on ART, 91.5% reported viral suppression. Conclusions Trans women met 90–90–90 targets in 2020, at 93–90–92. Interventions need to reach Black/African-American trans women, trans women who inject drugs, and partners of trans women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izzy Chiu
- 1438University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matisse Leathers
- 1438University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Damiana Cano
- 1438University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin M Turner
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dillon Trujillo
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sofia Sicro
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly D Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin C Wilson
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Center for Public Health Research, 7152San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ten years since the first regulatory approval of oral HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), this review summarizes PrEP uptake, the role of ambitious PrEP targets, emerging evidence of impact on the HIV epidemic and innovative approaches to increasing PrEP uptake. RECENT FINDINGS PrEP uptake among people at risk of HIV has been slow, but has accelerated in recent years, particularly in gay and bisexual men in a limited number of high-income settings and recently in heterosexuals at risk of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. However, UNAIDS 2020 PrEP targets and HIV prevention targets were missed by large margins. Although UNAIDS testing and treatment targets have galvanised public health action, in contras, PrEP targets have been lower profile and insufficiently ambitious. Parts of the USA, Australia and the UK with high PrEP coverage have demonstrated striking reductions in HIV infection at the population level, as PrEP is introduced at scale. Scaling up PrEP uptake will require innovations in PrEP promotion, simplified models of care, improved adherence interventions, improved choice in the form of longer-acting PrEP and interventions to ensure that all those who can benefit from PrEP can access it. SUMMARY PrEP is a revolutionary HIV prevention tool, which if ambitiously scaled up could drive HIV transmission towards elimination. Highly publicized and ambitious PrEP targets could help drive this.
Collapse
|