Prevalence and risk and protective factors associated with HIV-related behavior among transgender people in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper presents findings from the first large-scale quantitative study into HIV-related behavior among transgender people in Hong Kong. A survey of 195 transgender people found that only one-third of those who had engaged in sexual behavior in the past 3 months reported consistent condom use. Stable relationships, beliefs in low HIV transmission risk, and condom inaccessibility were cited as reasons for inconsistent condom use. The HIV testing figures were also strikingly low. This study demonstrates an urgent need for addressing HIV issues among transgender people in Hong Kong as there are currently no such specific services.

Keywords:

• transgender
• sexual risk behavior
• consistent condom use
• HIV testing
• Hong Kong

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that no competing financial interests exist. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and should not be attributed to any organization.

Additional information

Funding

The analysis in this research was funded as part of the Developed Asia Kickstart Initiative in Hong Kong with support of the Levi Strauss Foundation and B-Change Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Yiu Tung Suen

Yiu-tung Suen, D.Phil. in Sociology, University of Oxford, is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Division Head of the Gender Studies Program, and Associate Director of the Gender Research Center, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prof. Suen is the Founding Director of the Sexualities Research Program, the first research program in Hong Kong dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexuality issues, with a focus on sexual orientation, gender identity, law and social policy. Internationally, he serves as a consultant and data analyst for the United Nations Development Program Being LGBTI in Asia program, working closely with their Bangkok and Beijing offices. He has received funding from the General Research Fund of the University Grants Committee in Hong Kong, and the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK, among other prestigious sources.

Randolph Chun Ho Chan

Chun Ho Chan, is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Special Education and Counseling at the Education University of Hong Kong.