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HIV care outcomes among transgender persons with HIV infection in the United States, 2006–2021
November 13 – 19 is Transgender Awareness Week
HIV prevalence is an estimated 14% among transgender women (TW) and 3% among transgender men (TM). HIV care is vital for viral suppression but is hindered by transphobia and HIV stigma. We assessed HIV care outcomes among transgender persons (TG) with HIV in the United States.
Few studies reported outcomes for TM; therefore, only TW meta-analysis results are reported. Fifty studies were identified having low-to-medium risk-of-bias scores. Among TW with HIV, 82% had ever received HIV care; 72% were receiving care, and 83% of those were retained in HIV care. Sixty-two percent were currently virally suppressed. Among those receiving HIV care or antiretroviral therapy (ART), 67% were virally suppressed at last test. Sixty-five percent were linked to HIV care 3 months or less after diagnosis. Seventy-one percent had ever been prescribed ART. Approximately 66% were taking ART, and 66% were ART-adherent. Only 56% were currently adherent the previous year.
HIV care outcomes for TW were not ideal, and research gaps exists for TM. High heterogeneity was observed; therefore, caution should be taken interpreting the findings. Integrating transgender-specific health needs are needed to improve outcomes of transgender persons across the HIV care continuum.
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Publication type: Systematic review, Meta-analysis
Publication date: 2022
Intended population: Transgender persons
Key outcomes: ART initiation/adherence; Engagement in HIV care; Linkage to HIV care; Retention in HIV care; Viral load/viral suppression
Becasen, J. S., Morris, J. D., Denard, C. L., Mullins, M. M, Kota, K. K., & Higa, D. H. (2022). HIV care outcomes among transgender persons with HIV infection in the United States, 2006–2021. AIDS, 36(2), 305–315. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003109