A new CDC study that combines 3 years of data to produce nationally representative estimates characterizing HIV-infected adults receiving care in the U.S. shows that those who identify as transgender women are significantly less likely to adhere to anti-HIV medication regimens and to achieve viral suppression. In addition, they have higher unmet needs for basic services such as food and housing than non-transgender men.
Yuko Mizuno, PhD, Emma Frazier, PhD, Ping Huang, and Jacek Skarbinski, MD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, found that the HIV-infected transgender women were socioeconomically more marginalized than the HIV-infected non-transgender study members, and overall had a lower income, were more likely to be homeless, and were less likely to have health insurance. These factors may contribute to the differences in antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral load suppression
Population of focus: Transgender women in the United States
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Date: 2015
Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention