[Sex workers in the Brazilian pandemic: effects on and relations with health]. / Trabalhadoras sexuais no marco pandêmico brasileiro: efeitos em e relações com a saúde.

This paper describes the results of the study I Want More! The Lives of Sex Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is part of the EPIC community research program. The study analyzed the effects of the pandemic on the lives of cis, trans and travesti sex workers in nine Brazilian states and 11 cities throughout 2020 and 2021. This article focuses on the qualitative component of the study, which was based on semi-structured, remote and face-to-face interviews carried out with 43 sex workers, and its comparison with the quantitative component. The effects are analyzed in relation to the Brazilian pandemic framework, considering the social, economic and political dimensions of the COVID-19 virus. Some of the key themes of the analysis are cases of illness, specific social isolation practices, prevention and care management practices, individual vaccination and collective vaccination strategies. We also share the daily and activist responses drawn up by sex workers in a political agenda that opposes the individualistic, familialist, domestic, and neoliberal logic of isolation by adopting community care perspectives, which was the only line of health action for this work category during the pandemic. Collective actions reposition sex work at the interface between public health and human rights and take as their principle the "street knowledge", from activism, and the workers' power of decision over their own bodies.

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados do estudo Eu Quero é Mais! A Vida de Profissionais do Sexo Durante a Pandemia da COVID-19, integrante do programa de investigação comunitária EPIC. O estudo analisou os efeitos da pandemia nas vidas de trabalhadoras sexuais cis, trans e travestis em nove Unidades da Federação e 11 cidades brasileiras ao longo de 2020 e 2021. O artigo tem como foco o componente qualitativo do estudo baseado em entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas de forma presencial e remota com 43 trabalhadoras sexuais, e seu cotejamento com o componente quantitativo. Os efeitos são analisados em relação com o marco pandêmico brasileiro, considerando as dimensões sociais, econômicas e políticas do vírus da COVID-19. Entre as temáticas chaves da análise, se destacam: casos de adoecimento, práticas localizadas de isolamento social, práticas de prevenção e gerenciamento de cuidado, vacinação individual e estratégias coletivas de vacinação. Compartilhamos também as respostas cotidianas e ativistas traçadas por trabalhadoras sexuais numa agenda política que se contrapõe à lógica individualista, familiarista, doméstica e neoliberal de isolamento, por meio de perspectivas comunitárias de cuidado, o que se desenhou como a única linha de ação em saúde para a categoria durante a pandemia. As ações coletivas reposicionam o trabalho sexual na interface entre a saúde pública e os direitos humanos e tomam como princípio os conhecimentos das ruas, desde os ativismos, e o poder de decisão delas próprias sobre seus corpos.

Este trabajo presenta los resultados del estudio ¡Yo Quiero Más! La Vida de las Profesionales del Sexo Durante la Pandemia de la COVID-19, parte del programa de investigación comunitaria EPIC. El estudio analizó los efectos de la pandemia en la vida de trabajadoras sexuales cis, trans y travestis en 9 estados y 11 ciudades brasileñas a lo largo del 2020 y del 2021. El artículo se centra en el componente cualitativo del estudio basado en entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas de forma presencial y remota a 43 trabajadoras sexuales y su comparación con el componente cuantitativo. Los efectos se analizan con relación al marco pandémico brasileño, considerando las dimensiones sociales, económicas y políticas del virus de la COVID-19. Entre las temáticas clave del análisis, destacan: casos de enfermedad, prácticas localizadas de aislamiento social, prácticas de prevención y gestión del cuidado, vacunación individual y estrategias colectivas de vacunación. Compartimos también las respuestas cotidianas y activistas esbozadas por las trabajadoras sexuales en una agenda política que se opone a la lógica individualista, familiarista, doméstica y neoliberal del aislamiento, por medio de perspectivas comunitarias de cuidado, lo que se diseñó como la única línea de acción en salud para la categoría durante la pandemia. Las acciones colectivas reposicionan el trabajo sexual en la interfaz entre la salud pública y los derechos humanos y toman como principio el conocimiento de la calle, desde el activismo, y su poder de decisión sobre sus cuerpos.

Sex work, syndemic conditions and condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men who engage in sex work in Latin America.

Background In Latin American countries and Suriname, sexual transmission is one of the most common modes of HIV transmission, and men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in sex work constitute a key population. Methods In a sample of MSM (N =53,166) from the Latin American Internet Survey (2018) across 18 countries, we examined how sex work engagement is associated with syndemic conditions (multidrug use, homophobic abuse, depression/anxiety, alcohol dependency (CAGE alcohol questionnaire) and internalised homonegativity) and condomless anal intercourse with non-steady male partners using separate logistic regressions. We then used a structural equation model to determine if and how syndemic conditions mediate the relationship between sex work engagement and non-steady male partners. Results We found that getting paid for sex was associated with less condom use for anal intercourse with non-steady male partners and particular syndemic conditions, such as multidrug use, homophobic abuse and alcohol dependency. In our structural equation model, the results showed that the direct relationship between sex work engagement and non-steady male partners was positive and significant, and syndemic conditions partially mediated this relationship. Conclusion Our results highlight the continuing need for including MSM who engage in sex work and those who experience syndemic conditions in the prevention strategies targeted to MSM in Latin America and Suriname, to prevent the transmission of HIV.

Prevalence of HIV infection among transgender women and travestis in Brazil: data from the TransOdara study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among transgender women and travestis and to analyze factors associated with HIV infection in Brazil. METHODS: TransOdara was a cross-sectional study on sexually transmitted infections among transgender women and travestis in five Brazilian cities between 2019 and 2021. Self-identified transgender women and travestis aged ≥18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling, completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, and provided samples to detect HIV. The outcome was the result of the rapid antigen testing for HIV. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: Overall, this population was found to be especially vulnerable, with high levels of unstable housing and engagement in informal work. They usually resort to transactional sex as their main working activity. Half of them earned less than the Brazilian minimum wage, which characterizes a poor population living in dire conditions. The overall HIV prevalence was 34.40%. In the final model, the variables associated with the HIV prevalence were as follows: to be 31 years old or older, not studying at the moment they were interviewed, to be unemployed, and engaged in lifetime transactional sex. CONCLUSION: We found disproportionately high HIV prevalence among transgender women and travestis, compared with a low prevalence among respective segments of Brazil's general population, which highlights the context of vulnerability in this population. The data point to the urgency for intensification and expansion of access to HIV prevention and strategies to stop discrimination in health care (among other services and contexts) and provide comprehensive services for this population.

Multiple substance use and associated factors in transgender women and travestis: findings from the TransOdara Study, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of concomitant substance consumption and analyze associated risk factors in a non-probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population of transgender women and travestis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with recruitment via respondent-driven sampling. The sample included transgender women and travestis residing in São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Manaus, and Campo Grande, aged 18 years or older, between 2019 and 2021. The outcome was the concomitant use of licit and illicit substances. The association between sociodemographic/behavioral factors and the outcome was analyzed through Poisson regression with mixed effects. Adjusted prevalence ratios (confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI) were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence in the last 12 months of multiple substance use was 49.3%, of which 65.5% were alcohol, 52.9% tobacco, and 40.1% marijuana. Transgender women and travestis who use multiple substances face more violence (1.71; 95%CI 1.14-2.55), unemployment (1.58; 95%CI 1.05-2.37) and pervasive unstable work status (1.52; 95%CI 1.08-2.14), transactional sex (1.51; 95%CI 1.21-1.88) which can be their sole option to make a living, and are aged 18 to 24 years (1.37; 95%CI 1.14-1.65). CONCLUSION: The use of multiple substances may be an attempt to cope with distress and marginalization. Substance use has been associated with multiple harms and medical conditions. Comprehensive management and care should be provided, as defined by the key principles of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Health care should be integrated into structural interventions.

Increasing HIV prevalence rate among men who have sex with men: results of a comparison of two national surveys.

Our objective was to compare HIV prevalence between two national surveys among men who have sex with men in Brazil in 2009 and 2016. HIV prevalence was estimated stratifying by age and socioeconomic status. HIV prevalence increased from 11.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9-14.3], in 2009, to 19.1% (95% CI: 16.5 - 22.0), in 2016 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.3] increasing 320% among Young MSM of low SES. Political leadership is needed to develop a scientifically sound and inclusive solution.

TransOdara study: the challenge of integrating methods, settings and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect transgender women and travestis (TGW), who often lack access to healthcare due to stigma and discrimination. We describe the approach and methodology of a study investigating the prevalence of syphilis, HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and human papillomavirus (HPV) among TGW, as well as their knowledge and perceptions regarding syphilis, to better inform policies to curb STIs among this vulnerable population. METHODS: TransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted among TGW in five capital cities from major Brazilian regions between December 2019 and July 2021. Self-identified transgender women and travestis aged >18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling after a qualitative formative phase, completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, were offered a physical examination, and were also asked to provide samples from multiple sites to detect various STIs, starting vaccination and treatment when indicated. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 participants were recruited from the five study locations: Campo Grande (n=181, 13.7%), Manaus (n=340, 25.8%), Porto Alegre (n=192, 14.6%), Salvador (n=201, 15.3%), and São Paulo (n=403, 30.6%). The recruitment period varied at each study location due to logistic constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Despite the enormous challenges posed by the co-occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and field work targeting a vulnerable, elusive, and scattered population, the TransOdara project has been effectively implemented. Caveats did not preclude 1,300 TGW from being interviewed and tested, amid a significant epidemic that disrupted health services and research projects in Brazil and worldwide.

Prevalence of syphilis in transgender women and travestis in Brazil: results from a national cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of acquired syphilis and associated factors in a national survey. METHODS: TransOdara was a cross-sectional study comprising transgender women and travestis (TGW) in five major cities in Brazil during December of 2019 and July of 2021. The sample was recruited using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method. The outcome "active syphilis" was defined as a positive treponemal test and Venereal-Disease-Research-Laboratory (VDRL) title greater than∕ equal to ⅛. Sociodemographic variables were described. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were performed, and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. All analyses were performed in R, 4.3.1. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 TGW were recruited, with 1,291 being tested for syphilis, and 294 (22.8%) meeting the criteria for active syphilis. In bivariate analysis, black/mixed race (OR=1.41, 95%CI 1.01-1.97), basic level of education (OR=2.44, 95%CI 1.17-5.06), no name change in documents (OR=1.39, 95%CI 1.00-1.91) and sex work (past only OR= 2.22, 95%CI 1.47-3.32; partial OR=2.75, 95%CI 1.78-4.25; full time OR=3.62, 95%CI 2.36-5.53) were associated with active syphilis. In the multivariate analysis, sex work was the only associated factor, 2.07 (95%CI 1.37-3.13) past sex work, 2.59 (95%CI 1.66-4.05) part-time sex work and 3.16 (95%CI 2.04-4.92) sex work as the main source of income. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of active syphilis in this study was elevated compared with other countries in Latin America. Sex work was an important associated factor with active syphilis, highlighting the impact that this condition of vulnerability may have in the health of TGW, as members of a key, marginalized population.

Hepatitis A, B and C prevalence among transgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals between 2019-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis A, B, and C in transgender women and travestis's networks, in 5 regions of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study includedtransgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo), between December/2019 and July/2021. All samples were subjected to detection of serological markers of hepatitis virus A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) infections through rapid tests and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays. Positive samples in the screening tests were submitted to detect HBV DNA and HCV-RNA by real-time PCR and genotyped by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Analysis of 1,317 samples showed network prevalence rates of 69.1%, 25.1%, and 1.5% for HAV, HBV, and HCV exposure, respectively. A high susceptibility rate to HBV infection (35.7%) and low prevalence of vaccine response markers (40%) were also observed. Age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown skin color, having only primary education, history of incarceration, and use of a condom in the last sexual intercourse with a casual partner were associated with total anti-HAV. Exposure to HBV was associated with age greater than 26 years, self-declared black/brown, history of being a sex worker, and incarceration. Age > 37 years, history of sexual abuse, and frequent alcohol consumption were associated with hepatitis C infection. CONCLUSION: The highest prevalence of HAV in this population was found in the North and Northeast regions, and the prevalence found was higher than that in the general population, suggesting greater vulnerability. The prevalence of HCV infection in our study was similar to that observed in the general population.

Difficulties and advances in access to and use of health services by transgender women and travestis in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the narratives of transgender women and travestis (TGW) from four Brazilian cities regarding access to and use of health services. METHODS: Qualitative study carried out within the scope of the TransOdara project, cross-sectional multicenter mixed methods research conducted between 2019-2021. Fifty-two in-depth interviews with TGW in Manaus, Campo Grande, Porto Alegre and São Paulo were analyzed. The analysis was guided by philosophical hermeneutics. RESULTS: Reports of discrimination, stigmatization and pathologization reiterate the difficulties faced by TGW in seeking healthcare. The recurrence of disrespect for the social/corrected name reveals obstacles to the recognition of transgender identities and, in some cases, the intention of inhibiting transsexuality-travestilidade. Other difficulties arise from actions that disregard the health specificities of TGW or the precarious social conditions that affect some of them. On the other hand, based on experiences of respect and adequate care, participants identify an ongoing change, which is expressed in greater availability of services and improved assistance. There is an expectation of continued expansion of services, technologies and training of health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The identified change has been undertaken at the interface of public health policies with LGBT+ activism and the production of knowledge about TGW health needs. Although the identified advances are insufficient to change the scenario of the historical exclusion experienced by TGW in health services, they point to promising ways to improve their health conditions.

Physical examination for the detection of sexually transmitted infections among transgender women and travestis in Brazil: acceptability and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the acceptability and factors associated with uptake of a physical examination for the detection of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by transgender women and travestis in Brazil. METHODS: TransOdara was a multi-centric, cross-sectional STI prevalence study conducted among transgender women and travestis in five capital cities (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador and São Paulo) representing all Brazilian regions, between December 2019 and July 2021. A total of 1,317 self-identified transgender women and travestis aged ≥18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and responded to a standard questionnaire. A medical consultation was offered including a physical examination and collection of samples from multiple sites to detect various STIs. Factors associated with uptake were investigated by reviewing demographic characteristics of participants who gave permission for physical examination (general, genital, and anorectal). RESULTS: Most participants (65.4%, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 62.7-68.0) gave permission for a general examination (including oropharyngeal), with fewer permitting genital (42.3%, 95%CI 39.6-46.0) or anorectal (42.1%, 95%CI 39.4-44.9) examinations. Overall, 34.4% (95%CI 31.8-37.0) of participants refused all examinations. Participants with STI symptoms were significantly more likely to give permission for full examination than asymptomatic participants (64.3 vs. 37.4%, adjusted odds ratio - AOR=3.6, 95%CI 2.4-5.5). Other factors significantly associated with uptake of a full examination in multivariate analysis included age (AOR=1.5 for ≥25 years), religion (AOR=1.7 for Afro-Brazilian, AOR=1.9 for other religions compared to no religion), and education (AOR=2.0 for higher-level). CONCLUSION: In the context of STI management, this study found limited acceptance of anogenital examinations among transgender women and travestis, with higher acceptance among those with STI symptoms.

Discrimination based on gender identity against transgender women and travestis in Brazil: a latent class analysis and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify groups of transgender women and travestis (TGW) with specific patterns of gender-based discrimination (GBD) and analyze the factors associated with GBD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with TGW recruited through respondent-driven sampling in five Brazilian cities (2019-2021). Latent class analysis was used to characterize GBD (low, medium, and high) using 14 observable variables. Descriptive analysis was performed, and associations between predictor variables and GBD were estimated by adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1,317 TGW, 906 (68.8%) answered questions about GBD. Most were under 34 years old, single, and had a Brown race/skin color. GBD was classified as "low," "medium," and "high," with estimates of 41.7, 44.5, and 13.8%, respectively. Variables positively associated with higher intensity of GBD included living in Manaus compared to São Paulo, being ≤34 years old compared to >34, being homeless compared to living in one's own house or rented apartment, not having legally changed one's name compared to those who had, and reporting physical or sexual violence compared to those who did not report. Variables negatively associated with higher intensity of GBD included having a Brown or Asian race/skin color compared to White and a monthly income ≥1 minimum wage compared to ³1. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of GBD was observed in Brazilian TGW, with this outcome associated with more vulnerable sociodemographic characteristics and a history of violence.

Prevalence of chlamydia and gonorreheae among transgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals, 2019-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in transgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2021, with participants recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling in São Paulo, Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Salvador. Detection of CT and NG was analyzed at three collection sites (anorectal, oropharyngeal and urethral). Mixed logistic regression models were employed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: A total of 1,297 recruited participants provided biological material to detect these infections. The prevalences of CT, NG and coinfection were 11.5%, 13.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Independent associations with CT infections included past (OR=1.73; 95%CI 1.02-2.95), current (OR=2.13; 95%CI 1.23-3.69), and part-time sex work (OR=2.75; 95%CI 1.60-4.75), as well as lifetime injectable drug use (OR=3.54; 95%CI 1.49-8.40). For NG, associations were observed with lifetime injectable drug use (OR=1.91; 95%CI 1.28-2.84) and sexual orientation, including heterosexual (OR=3.44; 95%CI 1.35-8.82), homosexual (OR=5.49; 95%CI 1.89-15.97), and bisexual (OR=3.21; 95%CI 1.06-9.68). Coinfection was associated with use of illicit drugs in the last 12 months (OR=2.34, 95%CI 1.10-5.00), and younger age was associated with all investigated outcomes. CONCLUSION: Estimated prevalences of CT, NG and co-infection were higher among transgender women and travestis compared to the general population, particularly among younger, individuals engaged in sex work and illicit drug use.

Factors associated with prior testing for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C among transgender women and travestis in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prior testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) among transgender women and travestis (TGW) in five Brazilian cities and identify factors associated with each of these previous tests. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with the recruitment of TGW through respondent-driven sampling (TransOdara Study). The investigated outcome variable was prior testing for HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV in the last 12 months. The association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors with the outcome was analyzed using a binomial logistic regression with mixed effects. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were estimated. RESULTS: The proportions of individuals with prior testing in the past year were as follows: 56.3% for HIV, 58.0% for syphilis, 42.1% for HBV, and 44.7% for HCV. Negative associations with prior testing were observed for individuals aged 35 years or older, whereas positive associations were found for those with high school education, those who experienced verbal or psychological violence in the last 12 months, and those who had commercial or casual partners in the last 6 months. CONCLUSION: There was low frequency of testing in the 12 months preceding the study for HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV compared to the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health. Expanding access to and engagement with healthcare and prevention services for TGW is an essential strategy in reducing the transmission chain of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Bodies of desire: use of nonprescribed hormones among transgender women and travestis in five Brazilian capitals (2019-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experiences of transgender women and travestis regarding the use of hormones for body changes without a medical prescription. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study, using data from "TransOdara", which estimated the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in transgender women and travestis recruited through Respondent-Driven Sampling, between December 2019 and July 2021, in São Paulo, Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, and Salvador, Brazil. The main outcome was: use of hormones without medical prescription and associated risk factors. Descriptive analysis, mixed univariate logistic regression models, and semi-structured interviews were carried out. RESULTS: Of the 1,317 recruited participants, 85.9% had already used hormones. The current use of hormones was reported by 40.7% (536) of them. Of those who were able to inform the place where they obtained them, 72.6% (381/525) used them without a medical prescription. The variables associated with the outcome were: current full-time sex work (OR 4.59; 95%CI 1.90-11.06) or in the past (OR 1.92; 95%CI 1.10-3.34), not having changed their name (OR 3.59; 95%CI 2.23-5.76), not currently studying (OR 1.83; 95%CI 1.07-3.13), being younger (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.31-3.56), and having suffered discrimination at some point in life for being a transgender women and travestis (OR 0.40; 95%CI 0.20-0.81). CONCLUSION: The use of nonprescribed hormones is high among transgender women and travestis, especially among those who are younger, did not study, have not changed their name, and with a history of sex work. This use is related to the urgency for gender transition, with excessive use and damage to health.

Lifetime sexual violence among transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: Prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with sexual violence in transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Brazilian cities (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo) between 2019 and 2021. Participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. The outcome of interest is the self-reported experience of sexual violence throughout the respondents' lifetime. We evaluated the actions taken by victims of sexual violence and how they dealt with the experience. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (such as race, income, drug use, sex work, and access to healthcare) and the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 TGW were interviewed. Among them, 53% (n=698) reported experiencing sexual violence. For 64.4% (n=419) of the respondents, sexual violence occurred on more than one occasion. The majority of TGW did not seek health services (93.2%, n=648), disclose the violence (93.9%, n=653), nor seek support from family or friends (86.5%, n=601). A higher prevalence of sexual violence was associated with homelessness (adjusted prevalence ratio - aPR=1.69, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.01-2.84), a history of engaging in sex work (aPR=2.04, 95%CI 1.46-2.85), self-reporting regular, bad, or very bad emotional health (aPR=1.67, 95%CI 1.28-2.19), and experiencing difficulties accessing health services in the previous year (aPR=2.78, 95%CI 1.74-4.43). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of sexual violence, analyzed together with the actions of the victims, indicates a context of high vulnerability and low institutional support. In this scenario, violence can be exacerbated, resulting in severe health consequences.

Reducing intersectional stigma among transgender women in Brazil to promote uptake of HIV testing and PrEP: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of Manas por Manas.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, transgender ('trans') women experience extreme social and economic marginalisation due to intersectional stigma, defined as the confluence of stigma that results from the intersection of social identities and positions among those who are oppressed multiple times. Among trans women, gender-based stigma intersects with social positions such as engagement in sex work and substance use, as well as race-based stigma to generate a social context of vulnerability and increased risk of HIV acquisition. In Brazil, trans women are the 'most at-risk' group for HIV, with 55 times higher estimated odds of HIV infection than the general population; further, uptake of HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among trans women is significantly lower than other at-risk groups. Through extensive formative work, we developed Manas por Manas, a multilevel intervention using HIV prevention strategies with demonstrated feasibility and acceptability by trans women in Brazil, to address intersectional stigma and increase engagement in the HIV prevention continuum. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are conducting a two-arm randomised wait-list controlled trial of the intervention's efficacy in São Paulo, Brazil, to improve uptake of HIV testing and PrEP among transgender women (N=400). The primary outcomes are changes in HIV testing (self-testing and clinic based), changes in PrEP uptake and changes in PrEP persistence at baseline and follow-up assessment for 12 months at 3-month intervals. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by University of California, San Francisco Institutional Review Board (15-17910) and Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (Research Ethics National Commission, CAAE: 25215219.8.0000.5479) in Brazil. Participants provided informed consent before enrolment. We are committed to collaboration with National Institutes of Health officials, other researchers, and health and social services communities for rapid dissemination of data and sharing of materials. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and scientific presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03081559.

Correlation between gender-based violence and poor treatment outcomes among transgender women living with HIV in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transgender women are disproportionately affected by both HIV and gender-based violence (GBV), defined as physical, sexual, or emotional violence perpetrated against an individual based on their gender identity/expression. While a growing body of evidence demonstrates that GBV leads to poor HIV care and treatment outcomes among cisgender women, less research has examined this association among transgender women. We assessed the impact of lifetime experiences of GBV on subsequent retention in HIV care and laboratory confirmed viral suppression among a sample of transgender women living with HIV (TWH) in Brazil. METHODS: A pilot trial of a peer navigation intervention to improve HIV care and treatment among TWH was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil between 2018 and 2019. TWH were recruited and randomized into the intervention or control arm and participated in a baseline and 9-month follow-up survey and ongoing extraction of clinical visit, prescribing, and laboratory data. Generalized linear model regressions with a Poisson distribution estimated the relative risk (RR) for the association of lifetime physical and sexual violence reported at baseline with treatment outcomes (retention in HIV care and viral suppression) at follow-up, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 113 TWH participated in the study. At baseline, median age was 30 years, and the prevalence of lifetime physical and sexual violence was 62% and 45%, respectively. At follow-up, 58% (n = 66/113) were retained in care and 35% (n = 40/113) had evidence of viral suppression. In adjusted models, lifetime physical violence was non-significantly associated with a 10% reduction in retention in care (aRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.67, 1.22) and a 31% reduction in viral suppression (aRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43, 1.11). Lifetime sexual violence was non-significantly associated with a 28% reduction in retention in HIV care (aRR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.00) and significantly associated with a 56% reduction in viral suppression (aRR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.79). CONCLUSION: Our findings are among the first to demonstrate that lifetime experiences with physical and sexual violence are associated with poor HIV outcomes over time among transgender women. Interventions seeking to improve HIV treatment outcomes should assess and address experiences of GBV among this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03525340.

Acceptability and Usability of Self-Sampling for the Detection of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Transgender Women: The TransOdara Multicentric Study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The effective testing of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) requires sampling from potential infection sites. This study aimed to assess the choice, satisfaction, and performance of self-collected samples (SCS) from potential infection sites for STI testing among transgender women in Brazil. METHODS: TransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional STI prevalence study conducted in 5 Brazilian cities. Using respondent-driven sampling, 1317 transgender women 18 years or older were recruited. Participants completed interviewer-led questionnaires and provided swab samples from multiple sites (anorectal, oropharyngeal, genital) for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. Participants were given a choice of SCS or provider-collected samples (PCS) at each site. RESULTS: Most participants selected SCS for anorectal (74.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72.4-77.3) and genital (72.7%; 95% CI, 70.2-75.1) sites, whereas fewer chose for oropharyngeal samples (49.8%; 95% CI, 47.0-52.6). For future testing, most participants expressed a preference for SCS for genital (72.2%; 95% CI, 69.5-74.7) and anorectal (70.2%; 95% CI, 67.6-72.7) sites. There was no significant difference in the positive test results for CT and NG between SCS and PCS at anorectal and oropharyngeal sites, or for HPV at anorectal and genital (penile or neovaginal) sites. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high level of acceptability and usability of self-sampling for STI testing among transgender women. A preference for SCS was evident at the anorectal and genital sites, and the results of SCS were comparable to those of PCS. The findings suggest that multisite STI testing utilizing self-collection methods as a provided option can be effectively integrated into sexual health services for transgender women.

Anticipated Stigma and Social Barriers to Communication Between Transgender Women Newly Diagnosed with HIV and Health Care Providers: A Mediation Analysis.

Purpose: We assessed whether anticipated stigma (i.e., fear of public mistreatment due to gender identity) impacts communication between transgender women (TGW) living with HIV and health care providers. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from Trans Amigas, a study conducted in Brazil, 2018. The study population consisted of TGW living with HIV, older than 18 years, residing in the São Paulo metropolitan area. We used multivariable logistic regression (α = 0.05), mediation, and bootstrapping for the analysis. Results: One hundred and thirteen participants completed the study. Fear of public mistreatment had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.42 (p = 0.003) for difficulty reporting new symptoms to providers. Concerning fear of public mistreatment, we found that unemployment had an aOR of 3.62 (p = 0.036); sex work, an aOR of 2.95 (p = 0.041); and issues related to name change in documents, an aOR of 2.71 (p = 0.033). For the indirect effect on difficulty reporting new symptoms, mediated by fear of public mistreatment, unemployment had an aOR of 1.52 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-2.24); sex work, an aOR of 1.48 (CI = 0.81-2.52); and name change issues, an aOR of 1.47 (CI = 0.96-2.43). Conclusions: Anticipated stigma was associated with communication difficulties between TGW living with HIV and providers. Our data suggest that structural factors associated with anticipated stigma could indirectly impact on difficulty reporting new symptoms. These findings indicate the importance of considering social contexts that intersect with individual experiences when analyzing communication barriers between providers and patients, and the need to strengthen social policies for TGW in Brazil. Clinical Trial Registration number: R34MH112177.