Citation
Poteat, Tonia; White, Rebecca Hamilton; Footer, Katherine H. A.; Park, Ju Nyeong; Galai, Noya; Huettner, Steve S.; Silberzahn, Bradley E.; Allen, Sean T.; Glick, Jennifer; & Beckham, S. Wilson, et al. (2021). Characterising HIV and STIs among Transgender Female Sex Workers: A Longitudinal Analysis. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 97(3), 226-231. PMCID: PMC7769682Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Though highly vulnerable to HIV and STIs, transgender female sex workers (TFSWs) are understudied in the US HIV and STI response. This study examined the correlates of laboratory-confirmed STIs among a cohort of 62 TFSWs followed over the course of 1 year and explored associations between specimen site and self-reported engagement in insertive and receptive anal intercourse.METHODS: Participants completed an interviewer-administered computer-assisted personal interview at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month visits where self-administered anal swabs and urine samples for gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis were also collected. HIV testing was conducted at baseline, 6-month and 12-month visits.
RESULTS: Baseline HIV prevalence was 40.3% with no HIV seroconversions over follow-up. Baseline prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis was 9.7%, 17.7% and 14.5%, respectively. In the multivariable regression modelling, recent arrest was significantly associated with testing positive for any STI (adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.77; 95% CI: 1.10 to 2.84). Insertive anal sex with clients was associated with increased risk of testing positive for an STI via urine specimen (RR 3.48; 95% CI: 1.14 to 10.62), while receptive anal sex was not significantly associated with specimen site.
CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm a high prevalence of STIs among TFSWs and highlight the importance of addressing structural drivers such as criminal justice involvement as well as the need to ensure screening for STIs at all anatomical sites regardless of self-reported sites of potential exposure. More research is needed to better understand HIV and STI vulnerabilities and appropriate interventions for TFSWs in the USA.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2019-054414Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2021Journal Title
Sexually Transmitted InfectionsAuthor(s)
Poteat, ToniaWhite, Rebecca Hamilton
Footer, Katherine H. A.
Park, Ju Nyeong
Galai, Noya
Huettner, Steve S.
Silberzahn, Bradley E.
Allen, Sean T.
Glick, Jennifer
Beckham, S. Wilson
Gaydos, Charlotte A.
Sherman, Susan G.