Travestis, an unexplored population at risk of HIV in a large metropolis of northeast Brazil: a respondent-driven sampling survey.
Travestis are highly vulnerable to HIV infection in Brazil. We conducted a survey among 304 travestis using Respondent-Driven Sampling from August to December 2008. Travestis are young (49% <24 years), poorly educated (55% just elementary school), low social class (62% Class C-E), reside with families (49%) or friends/madam (22%), are victims of homophobia (91%) and violence (61%). They report early sexual debut (75% <14), many sexual partners, drug use during sex (43%), and unprotected sex (male partner, 47%, both male and female partners, 50%). Sex work is common (82%, 59% >10 partners last six months) and relatively low cost (median=US$24). A majority report testing for HIV (69%), and report high prevalence (12% disclosed a positive result). Almost all the respondents refused to test in the study. Interventions, targeted to both travestis and to the general community about sexual discrimination, are necessary.
State Department of Health, Praia de Iracema, Fortaleza, Brasil.
Telma A
TA
Martins
Ligia Regina F S
LR
Kerr
Raimunda H M
RH
Macena
Rosa S
RS
Mota
Kalina L
KL
Carneiro
Rogério C
RC
Gondim
Carl
C
Kendall
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D063508:Social Discrimination / Q000523:psychology; D057545:Social Stigma; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult