Adapting evidence-based behavioral interventions for new settings and target populations.

Many HIV prevention funding agencies require the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions (EBIs) previously shown to be effective through rigorous outcome evaluation. Often, the implementing agency's setting or target population is different than those in the original implementation and evaluation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, in collaboration with internal and external partners, developed draft guidance to adapt an EBI to fit the cultural context, risk determinants, risk behaviors, and unique circumstances of the agency without competing with or contradicting the core elements and internal logic. The guidance described in this article provides a systematic approach to help agencies identify the most appropriate intervention for their target population and agency capacity, monitor the process, and evaluate the outcomes of the adapted intervention. This guidance, currently being piloted with five community-based organizations, will be revised and disseminated at the conclusion of project activities.

Estimating HIV prevalence and risk behaviors of transgender persons in the United States: a systematic review.

Transgender populations in the United States have been impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review estimates the prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors of transgender persons. Comprehensive searches of the US-based HIV behavioral prevention literature identified 29 studies focusing on male-to-female (MTF) transgender women; five of these studies also reported data on female-to-male (FTM) transgender men. Using meta-analytic approaches, prevalence rates were estimated by synthesizing weighted means. Meta-analytic findings indicated that 27.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.8-30.6%) of MTFs tested positive for HIV infection (four studies), while 11.8% (95% CI, 10.5-13.2%) of MTFs self-reported being HIV-seropositive (18 studies). Higher HIV infection rates were found among African-American MTFs regardless of assessment method (56.3% test result; 30.8% self-report). Large percentages of MTFs (range, 27-48%) reported engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., unprotected receptive anal intercourse, multiple casual partners, sex work). Prevalence rates of HIV and risk behaviors were low among FTMs. Contextual factors potentially related to increased HIV risk include mental health concerns, physical abuse, social isolation, economic marginalization, and unmet transgender-specific healthcare needs. Additional research is needed to explain the causes of HIV risk behavior of transgender persons. These findings should be considered when developing and adapting prevention interventions for transgender populations.