Estimating HIV Prevalence and Risk Behaviors of Transgender Persons in the United States: A Systematic Review
Top Cited Papers
- 13 August 2007
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in AIDS and Behavior
- Vol. 12 (1), 1-17
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9299-3
Abstract
Transgender populations in the United States have been impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review estimates the prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors of transgender persons. Comprehensive searches of the US-based HIV behavioral prevention literature identified 29 studies focusing on male-to-female (MTF) transgender women; five of these studies also reported data on female-to-male (FTM) transgender men. Using meta-analytic approaches, prevalence rates were estimated by synthesizing weighted means. Meta-analytic findings indicated that 27.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.8-30.6%) of MTFs tested positive for HIV infection (four studies), while 11.8% (95% CI, 10.5-13.2%) of MTFs self-reported being HIV-seropositive (18 studies). Higher HIV infection rates were found among African-American MTFs regardless of assessment method (56.3% test result; 30.8% self-report). Large percentages of MTFs (range, 27-48%) reported engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., unprotected receptive anal intercourse, multiple casual partners, sex work). Prevalence rates of HIV and risk behaviors were low among FTMs. Contextual factors potentially related to increased HIV risk include mental health concerns, physical abuse, social isolation, economic marginalization, and unmet transgender-specific healthcare needs. Additional research is needed to explain the causes of HIV risk behavior of transgender persons. These findings should be considered when developing and adapting prevention interventions for transgender populations.Keywords
This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit:
- Latino Men’s Sexual Behavior with Transgender PersonsArchives of Sexual Behavior, 2007
- Best-Evidence Interventions: Findings From a Systematic Review of HIV Behavioral Interventions for US Populations at High Risk, 2000–2004American Journal of Public Health, 2007
- Attempted Suicide Among Transgender PersonsJournal of Homosexuality, 2006
- Effectiveness of Respondent-Driven Sampling for Recruiting Drug Users in New York City: Findings from a Pilot StudyJournal of Urban Health, 2006
- Men who have sex with men and transgenders in Mumbai, India: An emerging risk group for STIs and HIVIndian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2006
- The Impact of Exposure to Transphobia on HIV Risk Behavior in a Sample of Transgendered Women of Color in San FranciscoAIDS and Behavior, 2005
- Identifying Training Needs of Health-Care Providers Related to Treatment and Care of Transgendered Patients: A Qualitative Needs Assessment Conducted in New EnglandInternational Journal of Transgenderism, 2005
- Sexual Risk Behavior and Substance Use among a Sample of Asian Pacific Islander Transgendered WomenAIDS Education and Prevention, 2005
- High prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in immigrant male-to-female transsexual sex workers with HIV-1 infectionJournal of Medical Virology, 2004
- Transgender HIV prevention: A qualitative needs assessmentAIDS Care, 1998