Risk factors associated with resistance to HIV testing among transwomen in Brazil |
| |
| Authors: | F M L Pinheiro Júnior C Kendall T A Martins R M S Mota R H M Macena J Glick |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Community Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil;2. Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA;3. Ministry of Health of Ceará State, Fortaleza, Brazil;4. Department of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil |
| |
| Abstract: | Transwomen are a high-risk population for HIV/AIDS worldwide. However, many transwomen do not test for HIV. This study aimed to identify factors associated with resistance to HIV testing among transwomen in Fortaleza/CE. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2008 with a sample of 304 transwomen recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Data analysis utilized Respondent-Driven Sampling Analysis Tool and SPSS 11.0. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses examined risk factors associated with resistance to HIV testing. Less than 18 years of age (OR?=?4.221; CI?=?2.419–7.364), sexual debut before 10 years of age (OR?=?6.760; CI?=?2.996–15.256), using illegal drugs during sex (OR?=?2.384; CI?=?1.310–4.339), experience of discrimination (OR?=?3.962; CI?=?1.540–10.195) and a belief that the test results were not confidential (OR?=?3.763; CI?=?2.118–6.688) are independently associated with resistance to testing. Intersectoral and targeted strategies aimed at encouraging the adoption of safer sexual behaviors and testing for HIV among transwomen are required. |
| |
| Keywords: | transwomen HIV testing resistance to test HIV/AIDS RDS Brazil |
|
|
