Risk factors associated with resistance to HIV testing among transwomen in 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

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Transwomen Association of Ceará for supporting the research.

Disclosure statement

The authors acknowledge not to have any financial interest or benefit arising from the direct applications of their research.

Conflict of Interest declaration

No conflict of interest.

ORCID

F. M. L. Pinheiro Júnior http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4318-552X

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health – Health Surveillance through the Department of STD/AIDS and Viral hepatitis (Grant no. 195/07).