HIV prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, and sexual behaviors among transwomen in Mexico City.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To present results from HIV testing, knowledge of HIV status and socioeconomic factors associated with the probability of having a HIV positive result among transwomen (TW) in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2012, we conducted an HIV seroprevalence survey to 585 TW in Mexico City in three strata gathering places, the Condesa HIV Clinic and in four detention centers. We estimated the prevalence of HIV in each strata and applied a probit model to the overall sample to analyze factors associated with the probability of a HIV positive result. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV was 19.8% in meeting places; 31.9% in detention centers and 64% among the participants of the clinic. Age, low education and number of sexual partners was positively associated with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the study provide relevant information to design HIV prevention interventions tailored to the needs of the TW population.