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Cartujano-Barrera F, Mejia RM, Radusky PD, Cardozo N, Duarte M, Fabian S, Caballero R, Zalazar V, Ramos-Pibernus A, Alpert AB, Cupertino AP, Frola C, Aristegui I. Prevalence and correlates of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1279969. [PMID: 38115852 PMCID: PMC10728477 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1279969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina, and to examine the unique associations of current cigarette smoking with demographic and psychosocial factors. Methods This study is a secondary data analysis of the TransCITAR - a prospective cohort study of transgender individuals living in Buenos Aires, Argentina - baseline data. The baseline survey collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, current cigarette smoking, alcohol use disorder, and substance use. Participants were also asked about lifetime experiences of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by partners, clients and/or the police, and experiences of gender identity stigma in the past year from healthcare workers and the police. Lastly, participants were asked if they had ever been arrested. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions in categorical variables and student t-test was used for continuous variables. Significant associations with current cigarette smoking were tested in a logistic regression model adjusted for all significant associations. Results A total of 41.7% of participants (n = 393) reported current cigarette smoking. Compared to their non-smoking counterparts, participants who reported current cigarette smoking (1) had completed less education, (2) were more likely to be born in Argentina, (3) more likely to had migrated to Buenos Aires from other parts of the country, (4) more likely to report a history of sex work, (5) more likely to perceive their health as excellent, (6) more likely to screen positive for hazardous alcohol drinking, (7) more likely to report any substance and cocaine use in the past year, (8) more likely to experience gender identity stigma from the police in the past year, and (9) more likely to being arrested in their lifetime (all p's < 0.05). After controlling for all significant associations, education level of less than high school (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.02-2.12), hazardous drinking (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.30-5.37), and any substance use in the last year (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.16-3.94) were positively and independently associated with current cigarette smoking. Conclusion Among transgender women in Argentina, current cigarette smoking was more than double the rate for cisgender women. Current cigarette smoking was associated with education, hazardous drinking, and any drug use. These results will inform future smoking cessation interventions among transgender women in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raul M. Mejia
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Ambulatory Care, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo D. Radusky
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadir Cardozo
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Asociación de Travestis, Transexuales y Transgéneros de Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Duarte
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Casa Trans, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Solange Fabian
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hotel Gondolín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Caballero
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Zalazar
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alixida Ramos-Pibernus
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, United States
| | - Ash B. Alpert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ana Paula Cupertino
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Claudia Frola
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ines Aristegui
- Division of Implementation Research, Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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De Luca A, Zalazar V, Salusso D, Frontini E, Fabian S, Cardozo NF, Cesar C, Cahn P, Sued O, Aristegui I. "If I'm at home, I do it at home": Qualitative study on HIV self-testing among transgender women in Argentina. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:25-30. [PMID: 36287178 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221132624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence among key populations supports acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) due to its privacy and convenience. However, insufficient research has been done among transgender women (TGW), especially in Latin America. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, perceptions and recommendations for HIVST implementation among TGW in Buenos Aires. METHODS A focus group was conducted in July 2019. Particpants were invited to touch and learn about a displayed HIVST kit. The following main topics were explored: acceptability, reasons for seeking self-testing, preferences for training, distribution, periodicity and recommendations for HIVST implementation. RESULTS The sample consisted of 12 TGWs; mean age of 26 years (IQR = 22-28); 66% had history of sex-work. The main motivations for seeking HIVST were convenience, privacy, and usage to reduce stigma and discrimination by health-care providers. Recommendations for HIVST were: distribution from primary health centers and trans-sensitive centers; affordable price; assistance by peer health promoters; and the provision of clear written and video instructions. CONCLUSIONS Tailored implementation of HIVST can increase HIV testing rates, early detection, and linkage to HIV-care in this high-prevalence group. This study provided community-driven suggestions to inform and adapt an HIVST feasibility pilot study and future implementation in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia De Luca
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Zalazar
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Salusso
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilia Frontini
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Solange Fabian
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación Civil Gondolin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadir Fernana Cardozo
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación de Travestis, Transexuales y Transgéneros de Argentina (A.T.T.T.A.), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,RedLacTrans, Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Personas Trans.,Casa Trans, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carina Cesar
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Cahn
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación Civil Gondolin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar Sued
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Inés Aristegui
- 541285Fundación Huésped, Research Department, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Research in Psychology, Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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A socio-ecological analysis of factors influencing HIV treatment initiation and adherence among key populations in Papua New Guinea. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2003. [PMID: 34736447 PMCID: PMC8567601 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Papua New Guinea (PNG) members of key populations, including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), have higher rates of HIV compared to the general adult population and low engagement in HIV care. This paper examines the socio-ecological factors that encourage or hinder HIV treatment initiation and adherence among HIV positive members of key populations in PNG. METHODS As part of a larger biobehavioural survey of key populations in PNG, 111 semi-structured interviews were conducted with FSW, MSM and TGW, of whom 28 identified as living with HIV. Interviews from 28 HIV positive participants are used in this analysis of the influences that enabled or inhibited HIV treatment initiation and treatment adherence. RESULTS Enablers included awareness of the biomedical benefits of treatment; experiences of the social, familial and health benefits of early treatment initiation and adherence; support provided by family and friends; and non-judgmental and supportive HIV service provision. Factors that inhibited treatment initiation and adherence included perception of good health and denial of HIV diagnosis; poor family support following positive diagnosis; and anonymity and stigma concerns in HIV care services. CONCLUSION Exploring health promotion messages that highlight the positive health impacts of early treatment initiation and adherence; providing client-friendly services and community-based treatment initiation and supply; and rolling out HIV viral load testing across the country could improve health outcomes for these key populations.
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Barrington C, Davis DA, Gomez H, Donastorg Y, Perez M, Kerrigan D. "I've Learned to Value Myself More": Piloting an Adapted Multilevel Intervention for Transgender Women Sex Workers Living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Transgend Health 2021; 6:148-155. [PMID: 34414270 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender (trans) women living with HIV experience suboptimal care and treatment outcomes. We adapted a multilevel intervention to improve HIV outcomes and overall well-being among trans women sex workers living with HIV. The intervention, called Abriendo Puertas (AP; Opening Doors), included: individual counseling, peer navigation, and community mobilization "open houses." The purpose of this article is to describe acceptability and initial outcomes of the adapted AP pilot and explore intervention experiences to inform recommendations for improvement. Methods: After an iterative adaptation process, we recruited 30 trans women sex workers living with HIV to participate in the pilot. We conducted baseline and endline (12-months) surveys to compare HIV care and treatment outcomes and qualitative interviews to assess intervention experiences with a subsample (n=20). Results: Intervention retention was high, with 86.7% of participants (n=26/30) completing both baseline and endline surveys. At endline, there was a significant increase in current anti-retroviral therapy (ART) use (70.0% to 84.6%, p<0.03) and positive, but not significant, trends in missed care appointments in the past 6 months (34.5% to 20.0%, p<0.39) and not having missed any ART doses in the past 4 days (85.7% to 95.5%, p<0.50). Intervention acceptability was high across all components: individual counseling (96.1%), peer navigation (80.8%), and open houses (84.6%). Participants emphasized that trust and being treated with respect allowed them to relax and improve their self-esteem. Limited trust and cohesion among trans women, however, limited more extensive engagement with peer navigation and community mobilization components. Conclusion: Future efforts to strengthen the AP intervention with trans women sex workers should continue to address emotional, instrumental, and informational support needs related to living with HIV through individual counseling, peer navigation, and open houses while also enhancing group-level activities to build trust and generate a collective commitment to promote the well-being of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dirk A Davis
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hoisex Gomez
- HIV Vaccine and Research Unit, Instituto Dermatalógico y Cirugia de Piel Dr. Huberto Bogaert Diaz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Yeycy Donastorg
- HIV Vaccine and Research Unit, Instituto Dermatalógico y Cirugia de Piel Dr. Huberto Bogaert Diaz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Martha Perez
- HIV Vaccine and Research Unit, Instituto Dermatalógico y Cirugia de Piel Dr. Huberto Bogaert Diaz, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Deanna Kerrigan
- Milken Institute of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Zalazar V, Frola CE, Gun A, Radusky PD, Panis NK, Cardozo NF, Fabian S, Duarte MI, Aristegui I, Cahn P, Sued O. Acceptability of dual HIV/syphilis rapid test in community- and home-based testing strategy among transgender women in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:501-509. [PMID: 33533303 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420979852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known of acceptability and feasibility of dual HIV and syphilis rapid tests in community- and home-based provider-initiated strategies among transgender women (TGW), in Latin America. Objectives were (1) to assess the acceptability of this strategy and, (2) to determine the percentage of positive results of HIV and syphilis, analyze the correlates of HIV or syphilis positive results, and measure the rates of effective referral and treatment completion among TGW. METHODS A multidisciplinary team tested 89 TGW in Buenos Aires. An acceptability survey was administered after the HIV/syphilis Duo test was used. All confirmed cases were referred for treatment initiation. RESULTS We found high levels of acceptability (98.8%) of this strategy among TGW. However, only 60.7% preferred simultaneous HIV and syphilis diagnosis test. Moreover, we found 9% of positive results of HIV, 51.7% of syphilis, and 3.4% of positive results for both infections. Only not being tested before was associated with an HIV positive result, and only low level of education was associated with a positive syphilis result. Among 8 TGW who tested positive for HIV, 37.5% (n = 3) started antiretroviral therapy. Of 46 who tested positive for syphilis, only 73.9% (n = 34) were effectively referred and from 23 who started treatment, only 39.1% completed it. CONCLUSIONS Community- and home-based dual HIV and syphilis rapid test is a feasible and highly acceptable approach for this hard-to-reach population. Implementing similar strategies could improve screening uptake and accessibility. However, these results highlight the need to improve strategies for treatment uptake, in order to reduce morbidity and risk of onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Zalazar
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E Frola
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Infectious Diseases Unit, 62916Hospital Juan A. Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Gun
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo D Radusky
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicologia, 28196Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia K Panis
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadir F Cardozo
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación de Travestis, Transexuales y Transgéneros de Argentina (A.T.T.T.A.), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Personas Trans, RedLacTrans, Argentina.,Casa Trans, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Solange Fabian
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación Civil Gondolin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana I Duarte
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Asociación de Travestis, Transexuales y Transgéneros de Argentina (A.T.T.T.A.), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Personas Trans, RedLacTrans, Argentina.,Casa Trans, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Inés Aristegui
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Psicología, 28206Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro Cahn
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar Sued
- Research Department, 541285Fundación Huésped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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