Correlates of PrEP Indication in a Multi-Site Cohort of Young HIV-Uninfected Transgender Women

Transgender women are at high risk of HIV infection, with younger transgender women (YTW) particularly vulnerable. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has shown efficacy in reducing HIV acquisition, but little is known about PrEP indication or initiation among YTW. 

Baseline data from 180 YTW age 18-29 years enrolled in Project LifeSkills, an on-going HIV prevention intervention for YTW, were analyzed to examine factors associated with PrEP indication. The sample (mean age = 23.4, SD = 3.2) was comprised largely of women of color (69%) and of low socioeconomic status (71% unemployed). 

Overall, 62% met criteria for PrEP indication, but only 5% reported ever taking PrEP. Factors associated with increased odds of PrEP indication were: PrEP interest, number of recent anal sex partners, and lower collective self-esteem scores. Despite high levels of PrEP indication, there remain low levels of PrEP awareness and uptake among YTW.

Via: http://ht.ly/RXmxU 

By: Kuhns LM1, Reisner SL, Mimiaga MJ, Gayles T, Shelendich M, Garofalo R.

• 1Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 161, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA, lkuhns@luriechildrens.org.