Characterizing prep awareness and interest among filipina transgender women

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can efficaciously avert HIV acquisition for individuals at risk, including transgender individuals (trans) in the Philippines. We conducted multivariate logistic regression procedures in an online sample of Filipina trans women (n = 139) to examine associations of PrEP awareness. In this sample, 53% of Filipina trans women were unaware of PrEP, but almost all (93%) expressed interest in taking PrEP once learning about it. Greater odds of PrEP awareness was associated with discussion of HIV services with their health care providers, higher HIV knowledge, and discussion of PrEP among trans friends. Lower odds of PrEP awareness was associated with reporting being currently unemployed. The findings underscore a subset of trans women who might be early adopters of PrEP, and highlight PrEP inequities among trans women most marginalized, including those who are unemployed and have engaged in sex work.