High-risk Behaviors in Sex-Reassigned Trans-sexual People in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Abundant high-risk behaviors in trans-sexual people make it necessary to investigate. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the frequency of high-risk sexual behaviors in sex-reassigned trans-sexual people in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectional. Ninety-six sex-reassigned transsexual individuals of both genders presenting to Salamat Bonyan Psychology Clinic were enrolled in the study. The scales included a demographic characteristic form and a researcher-made questionnaire to evaluate high-risk behaviors and sexual health of sex-reassigned transsexual subjects. Results: According to the results, 96 individuals completed hormone therapy, of whom 43 underwent sex-reassignment surgery. Also, 73 persons were female-to-male, and 23 persons were male-to-female. (62.5% CI: (0.52 - 0.72)) of the participants did not receive hepatitis B, and (95.83% CI: (0.92 - 0.99)) human papillomavirus vaccination. (87.09% CI: (0.68 - 0.85)) of the participants did not take an human infection virus (HIV) test and (97.9% CI: (0.95 - 0.99)) a Pap test. (99% CI: (0.89 - 0.99)) of the participants were never screened for prostate cancer, and (91.66% CI: (0.86 - 0.97)) for breast cancer. Oral sex was the most common sexual act way (93.75%), and (72.91% CI: (0.68 - 0.77)) never used condoms. (30% CI: (0.20 - 0.39)) of the participants smoked hookah and cigarettes and used alcohol. Conclusions: Considering high-risk behaviors and sexually risky behaviors in this group, it is necessary to carry out preventive interventions.