The risk less known: female-to-male transgender persons’ vulnerability to HIV infection

Abstract

Studies have consistently found high levels of HIV infection among male-to-female (MTF) transgender people, particularly MTF sex workers. Due to lack of empirical data, HIV/AIDS risk among female-to-male (FTM) transgender people, however, is not well understood. This study analysed data from two needs assessment surveys to compare risk for HIV infection between 122 MTF and 62 FTM transgender people. Results show that there was a significant gender difference in HIV risk among the survey respondents. Compared to MTFs, FTMs were significantly less likely to have used protection the last time they had sex and significantly more likely to have engaged in recent high risk sexual activity. The gender difference existed even after controlling for demographic variables, AIDS knowledge, perceived AIDS knowledge, perceived effectiveness of condom usage, perceived susceptibility to AIDS and self-esteem. Findings from this study suggest that a thorough examination of HIV risk factors among FTMs is necessary.