Transgender Female Youth and Sex Work: HIV Risk and a Comparison of Life Factors Related to Engagement in Sex Work
Open Access
- 6 February 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in AIDS and Behavior
- Vol. 13 (5), 902-913
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9508-8
Abstract
This study examined the HIV risk behaviors and life experiences of 151 transgender female youth, ages 15–24, in Los Angeles and Chicago. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression modeling were used to identify life factors associated with ever having engaged in sex work. Sixty-seven percent of participants had ever engaged in sex work and 19% self-reported being HIV positive. Many factors were significantly associated with sex work for this sample population. A final multivariate logistic regression model found that lower education status, homelessness, use of street drugs, and perceived social support remained significantly associated with sex work when controlling for other factors. Findings highlight the complex HIV risk environment and suggest a need for sex work initiation research for transgender female youth. HIV prevention efforts for this population need to include broad-based approaches that take into account individual, social, and community-level factors relevant to the lives of transgender female youth.This publication has 37 references indexed in Scilit:
- Drug Use, High-Risk Sex Behaviors, and Increased Risk for Recent HIV Infection among Men who Have Sex with Men in Chicago and Los AngelesAIDS and Behavior, 2008
- Tip of the Iceberg: Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, the Internet, and HIV RiskAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2007
- Drinking and Condom use: Results from an Event-Based Daily DiaryAIDS and Behavior, 2007
- Prevalence of HIV Infection Among Young Adults in the United States: Results From the Add Health StudyAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2006
- Sexual Risk Behavior and Substance Use among a Sample of Asian Pacific Islander Transgendered WomenAIDS Education and Prevention, 2005
- Social Factors Related to Risk for Violence and Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV Among Asian Massage Parlor Workers in San FranciscoAIDS and Behavior, 2004
- The Social Support Needs of Older Lesbians, Gay Men, and BisexualsJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 1999
- Transgender HIV prevention: A qualitative needs assessmentAIDS Care, 1998
- The social organization of transvestite prostitution and AIDSSocial Science & Medicine (1982), 1994
- Perceived Emotional Support from Family and Friends in Members of Homosexual, Married, and Heterosexual Cohabiting CouplesJournal of Homosexuality, 1987