Medical Gender Affirmation and HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention in Transgender Youth: Results from the Survey of Today's Adolescent Relationships and Transitions, 2018

The "Cycle" of HIV: Limits of Personal Responsibility in HIV Vulnerability Among Transgender Adolescents and Young Women in Lima, Peru

Globally, transgender women (TW) face a high burden of the HIV epidemic. In Peru, HIV prevalence among TW rises at age 25, indicating a need to understand HIV vulnerability as adolescents reach adulthood. The life course of TW is often marked by abuse, discrimination and poverty fueled by transphobic stigma. Approaches to the HIV epidemic among TW and adolescents emphasize problem behaviors such as unprotected sex and substance. However, there has been a call for HIV research and interventions to understand and leverage community strengths. This qualitative study utilized a transgender-oriented, strength-based, intersectional and feminist approach to understand the strengths and protective health behaviors among 17 transgender adolescents and young women (TAYW) age 16-24 in Lima, Peru. Most participants re-located to Lima from the Amazon due to familial rejection, and engaged in obligatory sex work. TAYW demonstrated self-knowledge, motivation for education, efforts to secure employment, strong community networks, legal advocacy, avoiding problem substance use, HIV knowledge and condom use. However, strengths were impeded by multi-level barriers such as familial physical abuse, educational discrimination, and sexual assault which led to increased HIV vulnerability. We created a conceptual model of the "cycle" of HIV to describe the limits of personal responsibility within a vulnerable community denied access to family, education, employment and human rights. We recommend researchers, clinicians and public health workers follow the lead of TAYW at the frontlines of the HIV epidemic, and support beloved communities and enabling environments which may permit protective behaviors to mitigate HIV vulnerability.

Trends in HIV testing and HIV stage at diagnosis among people newly diagnosed with HIV

OBJECTIVE

To identify groups more likely to be referred for HIV testing because of symptomatic presentation rather than as part of asymptomatic screening.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of Australian National HIV Registry (NHR) surveillance data including sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as reasons for HIV test.

METHODS

Using notification records from 2017 to 2022, we summarised reasons for testing leading to an HIV diagnosis. Reasons for testing were combined with clinical status at diagnosis to derive HIV testing categories: testing while symptomatic; asymptomatic HIV screening; seroconversion; and other test reason. We stratified these categories by stage of HIV at diagnosis with late-stage HIV defined as a CD4 + cell count <350 cells/μl at time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 4134 HIV notifications with at least one reason for testing recorded, STI screening was the predominant reason for test referral (38%), followed by HIV indicative symptoms (31%), and risk behaviour (13%). By testing category, people aged 50 years or older (24%), people with HIV attributed to heterosexual sex (21%), people born in sub-Saharan Africa (19%), and women (17%) had lower levels of asymptomatic screening. More late-stage HIV diagnoses resulted from testing while symptomatic (58%) compared with asymptomatic screening (25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Older people and heterosexuals may not access HIV focused healthcare where HIV screening is routinely offered. Instead, HIV testing opportunities may arise in other settings. By normalising HIV testing and offering low-cost HIV screening in a range of settings, it may be possible to facilitate earlier HIV diagnoses, better health outcomes, and reduced onward transmission.

Clinical pharmacology in adolescent transgender medicine

Adolescent transgender medicine is a growing clinical field. Gender-affirming medications for transgender youth may include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, gender-affirming hormones or both. To evaluate the potential effects of GnRH agonists (puberty suppression) on pharmacokinetic processes for transgender youth, we searched PubMed from inception to May 2024 for publications on the effects of GnRH agonists on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion for transgender adolescents or effects on hormones (including gonadotropins, adrenal androgens, sex steroids) that are associated with changes in drug metabolism during puberty in the general adolescent population. No publications discussed the effects of GnRH agonist treatment on pharmacokinetic processes for adolescent transgender people. Sixteen publications observed marked decreases in gonadotropins and sex steroids for both adolescent transgender men and adolescent transgender women and slight effects on adrenal androgens. During GnRH agonist treatment, changes in body composition and body shape were greater for adolescent transgender people than for cisgender adolescent people. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of GnRH agonists on drug metabolism and other pharmacokinetic processes for transgender adolescents receiving GnRH agonists and other gender-affirming medications.

Transgender-Specific Differentiated HIV Service Delivery Models in the South African Public Primary Health Care System (Jabula Uzibone): Protocol for an Implementation Study

BACKGROUND

Almost 60% of transgender people in South Africa are living with HIV. Ending the HIV epidemic will require that transgender people successfully access HIV prevention and treatment. However, transgender people often avoid health services due to facility-based stigma and lack of availability of gender-affirming care. Transgender-specific differentiated service delivery (TG-DSD) may improve engagement and facilitate progress toward HIV elimination. Wits RHI, a renowned South African research institute, established 4 TG-DSD demonstration sites in 2019, with funding from the US Agency for International Development. These sites offer unique opportunities to evaluate the implementation of TG-DSD and test their effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

The Jabula Uzibone study seeks to assess the implementation, effectiveness, and cost of TG-DSD for viral suppression and prevention-effective adherence.

METHODS

The Jabula Uzibone study collects baseline and 12-month observation checklists at 8 sites and 6 (12.5%) key informant interviews per site at 4 TG-DSD and 4 standard sites (n=48). We seek to enroll ≥600 transgender clients, 50% at TG-DSD and 50% at standard sites: 67% clients with HIV and 33% clients without HIV per site type. Participants complete interviewer-administered surveys quarterly, and blood is drawn at baseline and 12 months for HIV RNA levels among participants with HIV and tenofovir levels among participants on pre-exposure prophylaxis. A subset of 30 participants per site type will complete in-depth interviews at baseline and 12 months: 15 participants will be living with HIV and 15 participants will be HIV negative. Qualitative analyses will explore aspects of implementation; regression models will compare viral suppression and prevention-effective adherence by site type. Structural equation modeling will test for mediation by stigma and gender affirmation. Microcosting approaches will estimate the cost per service user served and per service user successfully treated at TG-DSD sites relative to standard sites, as well as the budget needed for a broader implementation of TG-DSD.

RESULTS

Funded by the US National Institutes of Mental Health in April 2022, the study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at University of Witwatersrand in June 2022 and the Duke University Health System Institutional Review Board in June 2023. Enrollment began in January 2024. As of July 31, 2024, a total of 593 transgender participants have been enrolled: 348 are living with HIV and 245 are HIV negative. We anticipate baseline enrollment will be complete by August 31, 2024, and the final study visit will take place no later than August 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

Jabula Uzibone will provide data to inform HIV policies and practices in South Africa and generate the first evidence for implementation of TG-DSD in sub-Saharan Africa. Study findings may inform the use of TG-DSD strategies to increase care engagement and advance global progress toward HIV elimination goals.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/64373.

Demographic Differences in Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis and Access to Gender-Affirming Care Among Adolescents

Purpose: The goal of this article was to identify demographic differences in receipt of gender dysphoria (GD) diagnosis and access to gender-affirming care (GAC) among adolescents whose gender identity and/or pronouns differed from their sex assigned at birth. Methods: Data were from 2444 patients who were 13-17 years old and had a documented gender identity and/or pronouns that differed from their sex assigned at birth in the electronic health record. Adjusted logistic regression models explored associations between demographic characteristics (sex assigned at birth, gender identity, race and ethnicity, language, insurance type, rural status) and presence of GD diagnosis and having accessed GAC. Results: The average predicted probability (Pr) of having received a GD diagnosis was 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-0.63) and of having accessed GAC was 0.48 (95% CI = 0.46-0.50). Various significant demographic differences emerged. Notably, Black/African American youth were the least likely to have received a GD diagnosis (Pr = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.33-0.54) and accessed GAC (Pr = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.22-0.43). Although there were no significant differences in GD diagnosis by insurance type, youth using Medicaid, other government insurance, or self-pay/charity care were less likely to have accessed GAC compared with youth using commercial/private insurance. Conclusion: Results indicate significant differences in both receipt of GD diagnosis and accessing GAC by various demographic characteristics, particularly among Black/African American youth. Identification of these differences provides an opportunity to further understand potential barriers and promote more equitable access to GAC among adolescents who desire this care.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Transgender Women With and Without HIV in the Eastern and Southern United States

BACKGROUND

Data on the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among transgender women (TGW) with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data collected from a cohort of adult TGW across 6 eastern and southern US cities between March 2018 and August 2020 (n = 1018). Participants completed oral HIV screening, provided self-collected rectal and urogenital specimens for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, and provided sera specimens for syphilis testing. We assessed associations with ≥1 prevalent bacterial STI using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Bacterial STI prevalence was high and differed by HIV status: 32% among TGW with HIV and 11% among those without HIV (demographic-adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.39-2.62). Among TGW without HIV, bacterial STI prevalence differed by geographic region, race and ethnicity, and gender identity, and was positively associated with reporting >1 sexual partner, hazardous alcohol use, homelessness, having safety concerns regarding transit to health care, and no prior receipt of gender-affirming health services. Among TGW with HIV, older age was inversely associated with bacterial STI.

CONCLUSIONS

TGW had a high prevalence of bacterial STIs. The prevalence and correlates of bacterial STI differed by HIV status, highlighting the unique needs and risks of TGW with and without HIV. Tailored interventions may reduce sexual health-related inequities.

Estimating Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth Populations in Health Systems and Survey Data

OBJECTIVES

To identify and examine demographic variation in estimates of gender-diverse youth (GDY) populations from the PEDSnet learning health system network and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

METHODS

The PEDSnet sample included 14- to 17-years-old patients who had ≥2 encounters at a member institution before March 2022, with at least 1 encounter in the previous 18 months. The YRBS sample included pooled data from 14- to 17-year-old in-school youth from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 survey years. Adjusted logistic regression models tested for associations between demographic characteristics and gender dysphoria (GD) diagnosis (PEDSnet) or self-reported transgender identity (YRBS).

RESULTS

The PEDSnet sample included 392 348 patients and the YRBS sample included 270 177 youth. A total of 3453 (0.9%) patients in PEDSnet had a GD diagnosis and 5262 (1.9%) youth in YRBS self-identified as transgender. In PEDSnet, adjusted logistic regression indicated significantly lower likelihood of GD diagnosis among patients whose electronic medical record-reported sex was male and among patients who identified as Asian, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e. In contrast, in the YRBS sample, only youth whose sex was male had a lower likelihood of transgender identity.

CONCLUSIONS

GDY are underrepresented in health system data, particularly those whose electronic medical record-reported sex is male, and Asian, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e youth. Collecting more accurate gender identity information in health systems and surveys may help better understand the health-related needs and experiences of GDY and support the development of targeted interventions to promote more equitable care provision.

HIV/Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge and Acceptability of Rapid HIV Testing Among Transgender Adolescents in a Multidisciplinary Gender Clinic

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge of HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in transgender adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and to test the acceptability of rapid HIV testing among transgender adolescents in a multidisciplinary gender clinic.

Methods

Participants enrolled on the same day as their mental health or medical appointment in a multidisciplinary gender clinic. They completed survey questions regarding HIV and PrEP knowledge and were also offered an optional same-day, rapid, fourth-generation HIV test. Participants who had an HIV test answered additional questions about their testing experience.

Results

We enrolled 61 participants; just over half (n=31) were assigned female at birth. Less than a third (n=20, 32.8%) scored 80% or above regarding HIV knowledge. Nearly half of the participants (n=29, 47.5%) were not interested in PrEP. Forty-one percent of participants chose to have a rapid HIV test; all were "satisfied" with the testing experience. There were no positive HIV results.

Conclusions

Transgender AYAs have gaps in their understanding of HIV acquisition and transmission. Rapid HIV testing in the setting of gender care is well received by those who desire testing and may be a way to increase knowledge of transgender AYA HIV status.

Acceptability of Event-Driven and Long-Acting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Formulations Among Transgender Women Engaged in Street-Based Sex Work in Baltimore, Maryland

We assessed acceptability of nonoral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) formulations among transgender women (TW) engaged in street-based sex work in Baltimore, Maryland. In a K-means cluster analysis, TW (N=36) were partitioned into groups characterized by high interest in long-acting injectable PrEP only (Injectable Enthusiasts, 36%), high interest in injectables and subdermal implants (Long-Acting Acceptors, 36%), and low interest across PrEP formulations (Non-Acceptors, 28%). TW's interest in novel PrEP agents varied widely across formulations (range: 22-66%) and clustered around numerous relational, occupational, and structural factors, highlighting the importance of availing multiple PrEP formulations for this impacted population.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programme preferences among sexually active HIV-negative transgender and gender diverse adults in the United States: a conjoint analysis

INTRODUCTION

Current implementation efforts have failed to achieve equitable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provision for transgender and gender-diverse (trans) populations. We conducted a choice-based conjoint analysis to measure preferences for key attributes of hypothetical PrEP delivery programmes among a diverse online sample predominantly comprised of transmasculine and nonbinary individuals in the United States.

METHODS

Between April 2022 and June 2022, a national online survey with an embedded conjoint analysis experiment was conducted among 304 trans individuals aged ≥18 years in the United States to assess five PrEP programme attributes: out-of-pocket cost; dispensing venue; frequency of visits for PrEP-related care; travel time to PrEP provider; and ability to bundle PrEP-related care with gender-affirming hormone therapy services. Participants responded to five questions, each of which presented two PrEP programme scenarios and one opt-out option per question and selected their preferred programme in each question. We used hierarchical Bayes estimation and multinomial logistic regression to measure part-worth utility scores for the total sample and by respondents' PrEP status.

RESULTS

The median age was 24 years (range 18-56); 75% were assigned female sex at birth; 54% identified as transmasculine; 32% as nonbinary; 14% as transfeminine. Out-of-pocket cost had the highest attribute importance score (44.3%), followed by the ability to bundle with gender-affirming hormone therapy services (18.7%). Minimal cost-sharing ($0 out-of-pocket cost) most positively influenced the attribute importance of cost (average conjoint part-worth utility coefficient of 2.5 [95% CI 2.4-2.6]). PrEP-experienced respondents preferred PrEP delivery in primary care settings (relative utility score 4.7); however, PrEP-naïve respondents preferred pharmacies (relative utility score 5.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants preferred programmes that offered PrEP services without cost-sharing and bundled with gender-affirming hormone therapy services. Bolstering federal regulations to cover PrEP services and prioritizing programmes to expand low-barrier PrEP provision are critical to achieving equitable PrEP provision. Community-engaged implementation research conducted by and in close collaboration with trans community stakeholders and researchers are needed to streamline the design of patient-centred PrEP programmes and develop implementation strategies that are salient to the diverse sexual health needs of trans patients.

Determinants of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Retention among Transgender Women: A Sequential, Explanatory Mixed Methods Study

Transgender women (TW) face inequities in HIV and unique barriers to PrEP, an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. To improve PrEP retention among TW, we examined factors related to retention using a two-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. In Phase I, we used data from a trial of 170 TW who were provided oral PrEP to examine predictors of 24-week retention. In Phase II, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews with PrEP-experienced TW and used thematic analysis to explain Phase I findings. In Phase I, more participants who were not retained at 24 weeks reported sex work engagement (18% versus 7%) and substantial/severe drug use (18% versus 8%). In Phase II, participants reported drug use as a barrier to PrEP, often in the context of sex work, and we identified two subcategories of sex work. TW engaged in "non-survival sex work" had little difficulty staying on PrEP, while those engaged in "survival sex work" struggled to stay on PrEP. In Phase I, fewer participants not retained at 24 weeks reported gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) use (56% versus 71%). In Phase II, participants prioritized medical gender affirmation services over PrEP but also described the bidirectional benefits of accessing GAHT and PrEP. TW who engaged in "survival sex work" experience barriers to PrEP retention (e.g., unstable housing, drug use) and may require additional support to stay in PrEP care.

Drivers of Active Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use among Transgender Women in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

While ample evidence exists regarding the use of active amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) among sex workers, the impact of ATS use has yet to be characterized among the transgender population in Malaysia. Our aim is to highlight and assess health-related factors associated with ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia. A total of 361 transgender women completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their attitude towards PrEP knowledge and use for HIV prevention. The original study explored a myriad of health-related topics including active ATS use. Data was analyzed using logistic regression analyses to determine factors associated with active ATS use. Most of the participants were between 25-40 years old (57.3%), ethnically identified as Malay (75%), and single (67.6%). We found that 10.2% of the participants were actively using ATS. On a multivariate level, hormone therapy use was associated with reduced odds of active ATS use (aOR = 0.364; 95% CI = 0.169, 0.784) and was positively associated with a history of drug related arrest (aOR = 4.604; 95%CI = 1.813, 11.691). Our findings show a high prevalence of active ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia, in addition to its correlation to other health-related factors. Interestingly, we found that trans women who were actively using hormone therapy, were less likely to engage in active ATS use. This relationship should be explored further along with the relationship between incarceration history. In addition, further prevention strategies and efforts are needed to decrease ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia.

Exploring the Association Between Gender Affirmation and PrEP use Among Transgender Women in New York City

Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women are inequitably impacted by HIV; yet gaps in PrEP use exist. Among a sample of mostly Black and Hispanic/Latina transgender women in New York City, we aim to examine whether PrEP use was associated with gender affirmation and the use of gender-affirming health services. We found that PrEP use was more prevalent among those who used hormone therapy and those who had a provider they were comfortable speaking to about gender-related issues. In separate models, these associations were attenuated when adjusting for race/ethnicity, with those who use hormones being marginally more likely to report PrEP use and with Hispanic/Latina transgender women being more likely to have used PrEP, compared to Black transgender women. We found evidence of a potential association between medical gender affirmation and PrEP use. More research is needed to explore the social and structural contexts that are influenced by race/ethnicity that may serve to prevent PrEP uptake.

Sexual & reproductive health information on minor consent forms for pubertal suppression and gender affirming hormones

Introduction

Transgender and Nonbinary (TNB) youth need specialized sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and counseling. One avenue for providing this information is the use of informed consent documents before initiating pubertal suppression (PS) and/or gender-affirming hormones (GAHs). This study aims to compare the type and amount of SRH information included on informed consent documents used across clinical sites providing PS and GAH to youth.

Methods

As part of a larger, IRB-approved survey on informed consent, providers of gender-related care to youth uploaded informed consent forms used in clinical practice. Publicly available forms were also included in analysis. Content analysis of these forms was undertaken using published clinical guidelines to inform coding and reflect the SRH implications of starting PS and GAH.

Results

21 unique consent documents were included in the content analysis (PS = 7, Masculinizing = 7, Feminizing = 7). SRH information on consent documents fell into 4 broad categories: (1) changes in sexual organs and functioning; (2) pregnancy and fertility information; (3) cancer risk; and (4) sexually transmitted infections. Forms varied considerably in the level of detail included about these SRH topics and most forms included implicit or explicit acknowledgement of the uncertainty that exists around certain SRH outcomes for TNB youth.

Conclusions

There was substantial variability in both SRH content and context across consent forms. The role of consent forms in fostering TNB youth's understanding of complex SHR information when initiating PS and GAHs needs further clarification and development. Future research should focus on ways to ensure provision of adequate SRH information for TNB youth.

Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review

BACKGROUND

Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy for HIV prevention, rates of PrEP uptake remain low among the transgender population, especially in transgender women (TGW). We conducted this scoping review to assess and characterize barriers to PrEP use along the PrEP care continuum among TGW.

METHODS

We conducted this scoping review by searching studies in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: reporting a PrEP related quantitative result among TGW; peer-reviewed and published in English between 2010-2021.

RESULTS

Globally, high willingness (80%) to use PrEP was found, yet uptake and adherence (35.4%) were low. TGW experiencing hardship, including poverty, incarceration, and substance use, were associated with higher odds of PrEP awareness but lower odds of PrEP use. Structural and social barriers such as stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived racism can be important barriers for PrEP continuation. High social cohesion and hormone replacement therapy were associated with greater odds of awareness. In addition, our study confirmed prior research showing that PrEP does not lower feminizing hormone levels in TGW.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant demographic factors among TGW that are associated with PrEP engagement. It is imperative to focus on TGW as a population with independent needs, requiring specific PrEP care guidelines and tailored resource allocation, that fully considers individual-, provider-, and community/structural-level barriers and facilitators. The present review also indicates that combining PrEP care with GAHT or broader gender-affirmation care may facilitate PrEP use.

Sex & relationships in trans people

Everyone has sexual rights and is entitled to enjoy sex, regardless of gender identity or expression. It is therefore encouraging to witness a recent growth in research on sexuality in transgender individuals. We provide a short overview of extant research on sex and relationships in this population and argue that current research has mostly been conducted from a medical and functional approach; there is a strong focus on negative experiences and prevention; and there is a lack of data regarding psychological and socio-relational variables. Furthermore, many studies have been conducted in a cis- and hetero-normative setting and have methodological shortcomings such as applying questionnaires that have not been validated in a transgender population. We encourage researchers to expand their focus to positive variables such as sexual pleasure and (in accordance with the biopsychosocial model) investigate subjective experiences and relationship variables when studying sexuality in transgender individuals.

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake, Adherence, and Persistence Among Transgender Populations in the United States: A Systematic Review

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV; however, PrEP use among transgender individuals remains low. We conducted a systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence among transgender individuals in the United States. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and CINAHL databases in March 2021 and followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported interest, uptake, adherence, and/or persistence of PrEP use among transgender individuals. Articles that did not disaggregate results for transgender participants were excluded. Data from included articles were coded using content analysis and narratively synthesized using a framework matrix. We screened 254 unique articles published after US Food and Drug Administration approval of PrEP, and 33 articles were included in the review. Five themes were identified in the literature, including (1) PrEP concentrations were lower among individuals taking feminizing hormones, but the difference did not appear clinically significant; (2) concerns regarding interactions between gender-affirming hormone therapy and PrEP remain a large barrier; (3) PrEP initiation may facilitate increased self-advocacy and self-acceptance; (4) lack of trust in medical institutions impacts PrEP uptake; and (5) social networks have a significant influence on PrEP knowledge, interest, and adherence. Additional research is needed involving transgender men and nonbinary persons, and efforts to improve PrEP persistence among the transgender community are needed. Training health care providers to provide inclusive and affirming care is perhaps one of the strongest areas for intervention to increase PrEP uptake and persistence.

Rupturas biográficas por la pandemia del COVID-19 en adolescentes y jóvenes hombres trans y transmasculinos: demandas para la enfermería

Resumen Objetivo: comprender las rupturas biográficas provocadas por la pandemia del COVID-19 en adolescentes y jóvenes hombres trans y personas transmasculinas en el contexto de Brasil. Método: estudio cualitativo - encuesta en línea - multicéntrico. Participaron 97 hombres trans y 22 personas transmasculinas autoidentificadas, que respondieron un formulario semiestructurado en dos etapas. Los datos se sometieron al Análisis de Contenido Temático Reflexivo. La interpretación se realizó sobre una base sociológica a partir del concepto de ruptura biográfica. Resultados: surgieron cinco categorías: interrupción de la terapia hormonal, cirugías y seguimiento especializado; malestares precipitados por la interrupción de las características masculinas, autoimagen, autopercepción e identidad; vulnerabilidad por la pérdida de familiares y seres queridos, empleo y debilitamiento de las redes de apoyo; aparición de problemas psicoemocionales, como la pérdida del sentido de la vida; demandas de atención de enfermería y valoración de la vida de adolescentes y jóvenes transexuales en el pospandemia. Conclusión: las rupturas biográficas provocadas por la pandemia amenazaron las identidades de los hombres trans y personas transmasculinas adolescentes y jóvenes, produjeron degradación y discontinuidad de las biografías, llevándolas a perder el sentido de la vida. Los profesionales de enfermería pueden ser estratégicos e imprescindibles en la superación de estas amenazas al promover una intervención anticipada.

Biographical ruptures by the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young trans men and transmasculine people: demands for nursing

Abstract Objective: to understand the biographical ruptures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young trans men and transmasculine people in the Brazilian context. Method: qualitative study - multicenter, online survey. A total of 97 self-identified trans men and 22 transmasculine people participated and completed a semi-structured form in two stages. The data was subjected to Reflective Thematic Content Analysis. The interpretation was made on a sociological basis, based on the concept of biographical rupture. Results: five categories were derived: interruption of hormonization, surgeries and specialized follow-up; discomforts caused by the rupture of masculine characteristics, self-image, self-perception, and identity; vulnerability from the losses of family members and significant people, employment, and weakening of support networks; emergence of psycho-emotional problems, such as loss of meaning in life; demands for nursing care and valuing the life of transmasculine adolescents and young men in post-pandemic times. Conclusion: the biographical ruptures caused by the pandemic threatened the identities of trans and transmasculine people of adolescents and youth, degraded and interrupted biographies, leading them to the loss of meaning in life. Nursing professionals can be strategic and essential in overcoming threats by intervening early.

Rupturas biográficas pela pandemia da COVID-19 sobre adolescentes e jovens homens trans e transmasculinos: demandas para a enfermagem

Resumo Objetivo: compreender as rupturas biográficas causadas pela pandemia da COVID-19 sobre adolescentes e jovens homens trans e pessoas transmasculinas no contexto do Brasil. Método: estudo qualitativo - survey on-line, multicêntrico. Participaram 97 homens trans e 22 pessoas transmasculinas, autoidentificados, que responderam formulário semiestruturado em duas etapas. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise de Conteúdo Temática Reflexiva. Realizou-se a interpretação com base sociológica, a partir do conceito de ruptura biográfica. Resultados: derivadas cinco categorias: interrupção da hormonização, cirurgias e acompanhamento especializado; desconfortos precipitados pela ruptura das características masculinas, autoimagem, autopercepção e identidade; vulnerabilidade a partir das perdas de familiares e pessoas significativas, emprego e fragilização das redes de apoio; emergência de problemas psicoemocionais, como perda do sentido da vida; demandas para o cuidado de enfermagem e valorização da vida de adolescentes e jovens transmasculinos no pós-pandemia. Conclusão: as rupturas biográficas provocadas pela pandemia ameaçaram as identidades de homens trans e pessoas transmasculinas de adolescentes e jovens, produziram degradação e descontinuidade das biografias, conduzindo-os à perda de sentido da vida. Profissionais de enfermagem podem ser estratégicos e essenciais na superação das ameaças, intervindo antecipadamente.