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Orozco-Poore C, Perez-Brumer A, Huerta L, Salazar X, Nunez A, Nakamura A, Aguayo-Romero R, Silva-Santisteban A, Reisner SL. The "Cycle" of HIV: Limits of Personal Responsibility in HIV Vulnerability Among Transgender Adolescents and Young Women in Lima, Peru. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04462-4. [PMID: 39172187 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Orozco-Poore
- Department of Child Neurology, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Leyla Huerta
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aron Nunez
- Feminas Peru, Lima, Peru
- Centro de Investigacion Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Sida y Sociedad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano, Lima, Peru
| | - Africa Nakamura
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Queens House of Nakamura, Peruvian Kiki Ballroom, Lima, Peru
| | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Touleyrou L, Newman G, Heisler S, Chopra T. Empowering Health and Identity: The Vital Role of Gender-affirming Care for Individuals With HIV. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae435. [PMID: 39119478 PMCID: PMC11306974 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive healthcare for all includes gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender and nonbinary individuals. It is the unique privilege of HIV providers, who take care of a disproportionate number of transgender people, to provide gender-affirming hormone therapy along with antiretroviral therapy. It could increase viral suppression rates, increase overall health outcomes, and decrease gender health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Touleyrou
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gretchen Newman
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shira Heisler
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Teena Chopra
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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3
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Hallarn J, Scheim AI, Bauer GR. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Use Among Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals in Canada. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:341-349. [PMID: 38916428 PMCID: PMC11195929 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003443] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and nonbinary populations are disproportionately affected by HIV and face barriers to accessing HIV-related services. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may benefit those at risk of HIV acquisition. However, PrEP awareness and uptake, along with potential barriers and facilitators, have not been investigated among transgender and nonbinary individuals living in Canada. SETTING This study analyzed data from 1965 participants of the 2019 Trans PULSE Canada survey, a national convenience sampling survey of transgender and nonbinary individuals in Canada. METHODS Data were analyzed to estimate levels of PrEP awareness and uptake and to identify predictors of PrEP awareness among the study population. Prevalence ratios estimated from block-wise modified Poisson regression models were used to assess predictors of PrEP awareness. RESULTS PrEP awareness, lifetime PrEP use, and current PrEP use were estimated to be 71.0%, 2.2%, and 0.9%, respectively, among the full sample, and 82.3%, 7.3%, and 3.8% among those with indications for PrEP use. Respondents who were aged 45 years or older, transfeminine, Indigenous, living in Atlantic Canada or Quebec, and had high school education or less were significantly less likely to be aware of PrEP. Lifetime sex work, past-year HIV/STI testing, being single or in a nonmonogamous relationship, and higher levels of emotional social support were positively associated with PrEP awareness. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to improve PrEP awareness and particularly uptake among transgender and nonbinary individuals in Canada. This study revealed inequities in PrEP awareness within this population, which may serve as targets for future public health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Hallarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Ayden I. Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Greta R. Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
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4
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Senneker T. Drug-drug interactions between gender-affirming hormone therapy and antiretrovirals for treatment/prevention of HIV. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38866600 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgender persons face a greater burden of HIV compared to cisgender counterparts. Concerns around drug-drug interactions (DDIs) have been cited as reasons for lower engagement in HIV care and lower pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among transgender populations. It is therefore imperative for hormone therapy, PrEP and antiretroviral therapy providers to understand the DDI potential between these therapies. Studies of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) PrEP with feminizing hormone therapies (FHTs) show reduced plasma tenofovir concentrations, but intracellular concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate are not reduced. Efficacy of PrEP is expected to be maintained despite this interaction. Masculinizing hormone therapies have no effect on tenofovir concentrations but may increase FTC to a nonclinically relevant extent. No interactions between FHT and cabotegravir or tenofovir alafenamide have been demonstrated. Administration of TDF/FTC PrEP has no effect on hormone levels in transmen or transwomen. PrEP is expected to be effective and safe in transpersons and should be provided to high-risk individuals regardless of gender affirming hormone use. Enzyme inducing/inhibiting antiretroviral therapy may decrease or increase, respectively, the concentrations of FHT and masculinizing hormone therapy. Unboosted integrase inhibitors or enzyme neutral non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are not expected to affect and are not affected by gender affirming hormones and can be considered in transmen and transwomen. Overlapping toxicities including weight gain, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and bone density effects should be considered, and antiretroviral modifications can be made to minimize toxicities. Interactions between supportive care medications should be assessed to avoid chelation interactions and hyperkalaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Senneker
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Pasin C, Nuñez DG, Kusejko K, Hachfeld A, Buvelot H, Cavassini M, Damonti L, Fux C, de Tejada BM, Notter J, Trkola A, Günthard HF, Aebi-Popp K, Kouyos RD, Abela IA. Impact of hormonal therapy on HIV-1 immune markers in cis women and gender minorities. HIV Med 2024. [PMID: 38830635 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although sex hormones are recognized to induce immune variations, the effect of hormonal therapy use on immunity is only poorly understood. Here, we quantified how hormonal therapy use affects HIV-1 immune markers in cis women (CW) and trans women and non-binary people (TNBP) with HIV. METHODS We considered CD4, CD8 and lymphocyte measurements from cis men (CM), CW and TNBP in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. We modelled HIV-1 markers using linear mixed-effects models with an interaction between 'gender' (CW, TNBP) and 'hormonal therapy use' (yes/no). Models were adjusted on age, ethnicity, education level, time since start of antiretroviral therapy and use of intravenous drugs. We assessed the inflammatory effect of hormonal therapy use in 31 TNBP using serum proteomics measurements of 92 inflammation markers. RESULTS We included 54 083 measurements from 3092 CW and 83 TNBP, and 147 230 measurements from 8611 CM. Hormonal therapy use increased CD4 count and CD4:CD8 ratio in TNBP more than in CW (pinteraction = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively). TNBP with hormonal therapy use had significantly higher CD4 counts [median = 772 cells/μL, interquartile range (IQR): 520-1006] than without (617 cells/μL, 426-892). This was similar to the effect of CW versus CM on CD4 T cells. Hormonal therapy use did not affect serum protein concentrations in TNBP. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential role of hormonal therapy use in modulating the immune system among other biological and social factors, especially in TNBP with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Pasin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Collegium Helveticum, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Garcia Nuñez
- Center for Gender Variance, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Kusejko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Hachfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Buvelot
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lauro Damonti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Fux
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Begoña Martinez de Tejada
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Notter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Trkola
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F Günthard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Aebi-Popp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger D Kouyos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irene A Abela
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Tordoff DM, Restar A, Minalga B, Fernandez A, Dimitrov D, Duerr A. Including transgender populations in mathematical models for HIV treatment and prevention: current barriers and policy implications. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26304. [PMID: 38867431 PMCID: PMC11168965 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26304] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mathematical models of HIV have been uniquely important in directing and evaluating HIV policy. Transgender and nonbinary people are disproportionately impacted by HIV; however, few mathematical models of HIV transmission have been published that are inclusive of transgender and nonbinary populations. This commentary discusses current structural challenges to developing robust and accurate trans-inclusive models and identifies opportunities for future research and policy, with a focus on examples from the United States. DISCUSSION As of April 2024, only seven published mathematical models of HIV transmission include transgender people. Existing models have several notable limitations and biases that limit their utility for informing public health intervention. Notably, no models include transgender men or nonbinary individuals, despite these populations being disproportionately impacted by HIV relative to cisgender populations. In addition, existing mathematical models of HIV transmission do not accurately represent the sexual network of transgender people. Data availability and quality remain a significant barrier to the development of accurate trans-inclusive mathematical models of HIV. Using a community-engaged approach, we developed a modelling framework that addresses the limitations of existing model and to highlight how data availability and quality limit the utility of mathematical models for transgender populations. CONCLUSIONS Modelling is an important tool for HIV prevention planning and a key step towards informing public health interventions, programming and policies for transgender populations. Our modelling framework underscores the importance of accurate trans-inclusive data collection methodologies, since the relevance of these analyses for informing public health decision-making is strongly dependent on the validity of the model parameterization and calibration targets. Adopting gender-inclusive and gender-specific approaches starting from the development and data collection stages of research can provide insights into how interventions, programming and policies can distinguish unique health needs across all gender groups. Moreover, in light of the data structure limitations, designing longitudinal surveillance data systems and probability samples will be critical to fill key research gaps, highlight progress and provide additional rigour to the current evidence. Investments and initiatives like Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States can be further expanded and are highly needed to prioritize and value transgender populations across funding structures, goals and outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Tordoff
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of MedicineStanford UniversityPalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Dobromir Dimitrov
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Applied MathematicsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Ann Duerr
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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7
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Parmley LE, Miller SS, Chingombe I, Mapingure M, Mugurungi O, Rogers JH, Musuka G, Samba C, Hakim AJ, Harris TG. Social and structural drivers of HIV vulnerability among a respondent-driven sample of feminine and non-feminine presenting transgender women who have sex with men in Zimbabwe. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26231. [PMID: 38627887 PMCID: PMC11021625 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26231] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to characterize social and structural drivers of HIV vulnerability for transgender women (TGW) in Zimbabwe, where TGW are not legally recognized, and explore differences in vulnerability by feminine presentation. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted with a sub-sample of participants recruited from a 2019 respondent-driven sampling survey that comprised men who have sex with men, TGW and genderqueer individuals assigned male sex at birth, from two cities in Zimbabwe. Survey questionnaires captured information related to socio-demographics, sexual and substance use behaviours, and social and structural barriers to HIV services. Secondary analyses were restricted to participants who identified as female, transfemale or transwomen (236/1538) and were unweighted. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate sample estimates and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess differences in vulnerability by feminine presentation. RESULTS Among 236 TGW, almost half (45.3%) presented as feminine in the 6 months preceding the survey and 8.5% had ever used hormones to affirm their gender identities. Median age among TGW was 23 years (interquartile range: 20-26). Feminine presenting TGW in our sample had higher prevalence of arrest (15.9% vs. 3.9%), rejection by family/friends (38.3% vs. 14.0%), employment termination (11.2% vs. 3.9%), employment refusal (14.0% vs. 3.9%), denial of healthcare (16.8% vs. 2.3%), physical, sexual or verbal harassment or abuse (59.8% vs. 34.1%), alcohol dependence (32.7% vs. 12.4%), recent transactional sex with a male or TGW partner (30.8% vs. 13.3%) and recent non-injection drug use (38.3% vs. 20.2%) than non-feminine presenting TGW (all p-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that TGW, particularly feminine presenting TGW, experience social and structural inequities which may contribute to HIV vulnerability. Interventions aimed at addressing inequities, including trans competency training for providers and gender-affirming, psychosocial and legal support services for TGW, might mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child CareHarareZimbabwe
| | - John H. Rogers
- Division of Global HIV & TBU.S. Centers for Disease ControlHarareZimbabwe
| | | | | | - Avi J. Hakim
- Division of Global HIV & TBU.S. Centers for Disease ControlAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Tiffany G. Harris
- ICAP at Columbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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8
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Person AK, Terndrup CP, Jain MK, Kelley CF. "Do We Stay or Do We Go?" The Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation on the HIV Workforce in the South. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:411-413. [PMID: 37596931 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) workforce continues to face a crisis, particularly in the southern United States. Adding to known issues of administrative burden and less competitive compensation, recent anti- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) legislation threatens the already strained HIV workforce. HIV care providers advocate for all aspects of their patient's lives, including those needing gender-affirming care. The recent legislative targets against transgender patients, which involves many people with HIV, will clearly add to the burden on individual HIV care providers and therefore the HIV workforce. Recruitment and retention efforts in states impacted by these laws will become increasingly difficult without advocacy for the patients we serve. The HIV workforce must work together with LGBTQ+ populations to address these recent laws and promote the well-being of all our patients and colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Person
- HIV Provider and HIV Medicine Association Board Member, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Mamta K Jain
- HIV Provider and HIV Medicine Association Board Member, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Colleen F Kelley
- HIV Provider and HIV Medicine Association Board Member, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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9
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Alibudbud R. Enhancing Nursing Education to Address LGBTQ+ Healthcare Needs: Perspectives from the Philippines. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608241251632. [PMID: 38681864 PMCID: PMC11055477 DOI: 10.1177/23779608241251632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing healthcare professionals' education and training to effectively manage the healthcare needs of People Identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTQ+) is imperative. Recognizing the importance of mitigating LGBTQ+ health disparities, healthcare associations have affirmed their commitment to providing inclusive and culturally competent healthcare. However, despite these efforts, there is still a gap in LGBTQ+-specific teaching within nursing and other healthcare professionals' schools, resulting in healthcare professionals being ill-equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+. To address this gap, we suggest integrating LGBTQ+ health content into healthcare training programs, focusing on the Philippine nursing curriculum. Drawing from various reports, including insights from discussions with the local LGBTQ+, the suggested topics include LGBTQ+ identities, sexual health, trans health, mental health, and social determinants of LGBTQ+ health. By fostering understanding and competence through education, equitable and inclusive healthcare practices for LGBTQ+ can be better cultivated, helping to ensure that the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ are met effectively. Furthermore, it is necessary to share best practices for providing health services to LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, future studies can explore the median time allocated to LGBTQ+ teaching, the optimal number of teaching hours for LGBTQ+ content, and the specific contents of local nursing curricula that can better address their needs. By undertaking these steps, we can move toward effectively addressing the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila City, Philippines
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10
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Armstrong I, Lacombe-Duncan A, Shokoohi M, Persad Y, Tseng A, Fung R, Underhill A, Côté P, Machouf N, Saucier A, Varriano B, Brundage M, Jones R, Weisdorf T, Goodhew J, MacLeod J, Loutfy M. Feminizing hormone therapy in a Canadian cohort of transgender women with and without HIV. Antivir Ther 2023; 28:13596535231182505. [PMID: 37289725 DOI: 10.1177/13596535231182505] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential bidirectional drug-drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are of concern for trans women with HIV and their healthcare providers. This study aimed to characterize patterns of FHT and ART among trans women with HIV and to compare serum hormone levels to trans women without HIV. METHODS Charts of trans women were reviewed at seven HIV primary care or endocrinology clinics in Toronto and Montreal from 2018 to 2019. ART regimens, FHT use, serum estradiol, and serum testosterone levels were compared on the basis of HIV status (positive, negative, missing/unknown). RESULTS Of 1495 trans women, there were 86 trans women with HIV, of whom 79 (91.8%) were on ART. ART regimens were most commonly integrase inhibitor-based (67.4%), many boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat (45.3%). Fewer (71.8%) trans women with HIV were prescribed FHT, compared to those without HIV (88.4%) and those with missing/unknown status (90.2%, p < 0.001). Among trans women on FHT with recorded serum estradiol (n = 1153), there was no statistical difference in serum estradiol between those with HIV (median: 203 pmol/L, IQR: 95.5, 417.5) and those with negative (200 mol/L [113, 407]) or missing/unknown HIV status (227 pmol/L [127.5, 384.5) (p = 0.633). Serum testosterone concentrations were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, trans women with HIV were prescribed FHT less often than trans women with negative or unknown HIV status. There was no difference in serum estradiol or testosterone levels of trans women on FHT regardless of HIV status, providing reassurance regarding potential drug-drug interactions between FHT and ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Lacombe-Duncan
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mostafa Shokoohi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Alice Tseng
- Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Raymond Fung
- Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Pierre Côté
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine Du Quartier Latin, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nimâ Machouf
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine Du Quartier Latin, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Adrien Saucier
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine Du Quartier Latin, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Reilly Jones
- Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thea Weisdorf
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Goodhew
- Church Wellesley Health Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mona Loutfy
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Lesko CR, Edwards JK, Hanna DB, Mayor AM, Silverberg MJ, Horberg M, Rebeiro PF, Moore RD, Rich AJ, McGinnis KA, Buchacz K, Crane HM, Rabkin CS, Althoff KN, Poteat TC. Longitudinal HIV care outcomes by gender identity in the United States. AIDS 2022; 36:1841-1849. [PMID: 35876653 PMCID: PMC9529804 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003339] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe engagement in HIV care over time after initial engagement in HIV care, by gender identity. DESIGN Observational, clinical cohort study of people with HIV engaged in routine HIV care across the United States. METHODS We followed people with HIV who linked to and engaged in clinical care (attending ≥2 visits in 12 months) in cohorts in the North American Transgender Cohort Collaboration, 2000-2018. Within strata of gender identity, we estimated the 7-year (84-month) restricted mean time spent: lost-to-clinic (stratified by pre/postantiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation); in care prior to ART initiation; on ART but not virally suppressed; virally suppressed (≤200 copies/ml); or dead (pre/post-ART initiation). RESULTS Transgender women ( N = 482/101 841) spent an average of 35.5 out of 84 months virally suppressed (this was 30.5 months for cisgender women and 34.4 months for cisgender men). After adjustment for age, race, ethnicity, history of injection drug use, cohort, and calendar year, transgender women were significantly less likely to die than cisgender people. Cisgender women spent more time in care not yet on ART, and less time on ART and virally suppressed, but were less likely to die compared with cisgender men. Other differences were not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS In this sample, transgender women and cisgender people spent similar amounts of time in care and virally suppressed. Additional efforts to improve retention in care and viral suppression are needed for all people with HIV, regardless of gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Lesko
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David B Hanna
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Angel M Mayor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Michael J Silverberg
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Michael Horberg
- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Peter F Rebeiro
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Richard D Moore
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashleigh J Rich
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen A McGinnis
- Veterans Aging Cohort Study Coordinating Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kate Buchacz
- HIV Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heidi M Crane
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles S Rabkin
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Keri N Althoff
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tonia C Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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12
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Bothma R, O'Connor C, Nkusi J, Shiba V, Segale J, Matsebula L, Lawrence JJ, van der Merwe LL, Chersich M, Hill N. Differentiated HIV services for transgender people in four South African districts: population characteristics and HIV care cascade. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 5:e25987. [PMID: 36225147 PMCID: PMC9557019 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender people in South Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV, discrimination and stigma. Access to healthcare and health outcomes are poor. Although integrating gender-affirming healthcare with differentiated HIV prevention, care and treatment services has shown improvement in HIV service uptake and health outcomes among transgender people, evidence is lacking on the implementation of differentiated service delivery models in southern Africa. This article describes a differentiated service delivery model across four South African sites and transgender individuals who access these services. We assess whether hormone therapy (HT) is associated with continued use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and viral load suppression. METHODS In 2019, differentiated healthcare centres for transgender individuals opened in four South African districts, providing gender-affirming healthcare and HIV services at a primary healthcare level. Routine programme data were collected between October 2019 and June 2021. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and engagement with HIV prevention and treatment services. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine whether HT was associated with viral load suppression and PrEP continued use. RESULTS In the review period, we reached 5636 transgender individuals through peer outreach services; 86% (4829/5636) of them accepted an HIV test and 62% (3535/5636) were linked to clinical services. Among these, 89% (3130/3535) were transgender women, 5% (192/3535) were transgender men and 6% (213/3535) were gender non-conforming individuals. Of those who received an HIV test, 14% (687/4829) tested positive and 91% of those initiated antiretroviral treatment. Viral load suppression was 75% in this cohort. PrEP was accepted by 28% (1165/4142) of those who tested negative. Five percent (161/3535) reported ever receiving HT through the public healthcare system. Service users who received HT were three-fold more likely to achieve viral load suppression. We did not find any association between HT and continued use of PrEP. CONCLUSIONS A differentiated HIV and gender-affirming service delivery model at a primary healthcare level is feasible and can enhance service access in South Africa. HT can improve HIV clinical outcomes for transgender people. As trust is established between the providers and population, uptake of HIV testing and related services may increase further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutendo Bothma
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Cara O'Connor
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Jolie Nkusi
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Vusi Shiba
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Jacob Segale
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Luyanda Matsebula
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - J. Joseph Lawrence
- United States Agency for International Development/Southern AfricaCity of TshwaneSouth Africa
| | | | - Matthew Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Naomi Hill
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)University of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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