title: Understanding the HIV/AIDS epidemic in transgender women of Lima, Peru: results from a sero-epidemiologic study using respondent driven sampling.
abstract: In Latin America, transgender women (transwomen or male to female transgenders) have been included in MSM research but without addressing their specific needs in terms of the HIV/AIDS. We present results of the first seroepidemiologic study designed for transwomen in Peru. We conducted a study using respondent driven sampling to recruit transwomen from Lima. Our survey explored sociodemographic characteristics, gender enhancement procedures and sexual behavior. In addition, we conducted laboratory based HIV, genital herpes (HSV2) and syphilis testing. A total of 450 transwomen were recruited between April and July 2009. HIV prevalence was 30%, HSV2: 79% and syphilis: 23%. Sex-work was the main economic activity (64%). Gender enhancement procedures were reported by 70% of the population. Multivariable analysis showed HIV infection to be associated with being older than 35 recent, syphilis infection and HSV2 infection. Transwomen are the group most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Peru.
authors: Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Cayetano Heredia University School of Public Health, Lima, Peru. alfonsoss@upch.pe
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Silva-Santisteban
authors: H Fisher
authors: HF
authors: Raymond
authors: Ximena
authors: X
authors: Salazar
authors: Jana
authors: J
authors: Villayzan
authors: Segundo
authors: S
authors: Leon
authors: Willi
authors: W
authors: McFarland
authors: Carlos F
authors: CF
authors: Caceres
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013587:Syphilis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult