HIV Prevalence and Risks Associated with HIV Infection among Transgender Individuals in Cambodia
INTRODUCTION:
Recognizing
transgender individuals have a high risk of HIV acquisition, and to inform
policies and programming, we conducted an HIV prevalence and risk behaviors
survey among transgender individuals in Cambodia.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional
survey using a respondent driven sampling method with self-administered
audio-computer assisted interviews. HIV testing was performed prior to the
questionnaire with results available immediately after. Eligible participants
were ≥18 years, identified as male at birth and self-identified/expressed as a
different gender, and reported having sex with at least one male partner in
past year. From six major urban centers of Cambodia, 891 transgender
individuals were recruited.
RESULTS:
The
majority of the 891 participants self-identified as third gender or female
(94.5%), were young (median age 23, IQR [20-27]), had secondary education or
higher (80.5%), not married (89.7%), and employed (90.2%). The majority had
first sex before 18 years (66.8%), with a male (79.9%), 37.9% having been paid
or paying for this first sex. The rate of HIV positivity among participants was
found to be 4.15%. Consistent condom use with male and female partners was low
with all partner types, but particularly low with male partners when paying for
sex (20.3%). The majority of participants reported having experienced discrimination
in their lifetime (54.8%) and 30.3% had been assaulted. Multivariate analysis
revealed that older age (adjusted OR = 14.73 [4.20, 51.67] for age 35-44 and
adjusted OR = 7.63 [2.55, 22.81] for age 30-34), only having a primary school
education or no schooling at all (adjusted OR = 2.62 [1.18, 5.80], being a
resident of Siem Reap (adjusted OR = 7.44 [2.37,23.29], receiving payment at
first sex (adjusted OR = 2.26 [1.00, 5.11], having sex during/after using drugs
(adjusted OR = 2.90 [1.09,7.73]), inconsistent condom use during last anal sex
(adjusted OR = 3.84 [1.58, 9.33]), and reporting low self-esteem (adjusted OR =
3.25 [1.35,7.85]) were independently associated with HIV infection.
Below: A. Condom use with partners
during past 6 months by sex transaction type, with female partners. B. Condom
use with partners during past 6 months by sex transaction type, with male
partners.
CONCLUSIONS:
This
study confirms transgender individuals as one of the highest-risk groups for
HIV infection in Cambodia. It suggests the need for programmatic strategies
that mitigate identified associated risks and facilitate access to HIV care for
this population.
- 1FHI 360, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- 2National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, (NCHADS) and University of Health Science, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- 3FHI 360, Bangkok, Thailand.
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