HIV Testing and Entry to Care Among Trans Women in Indiana

Trans women in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. To improve HIV services for this population, more information is needed about their experiences in early stages of the HIV Care Continuum. Trans women in states such as Indiana, which has moderate HIV incidence but little public health investment in HIV prevention and treatment, experience special challenges. Our qualitative descriptive study describes the circumstances influencing HIV testing and entry to care by 18 trans women living with HIV in Central Indiana. In-depth interviews regarding participants' HIV care experiences were analyzed using standard content analysis. Participants discussed three main topics: (a) HIV testing circumstances, (b) facilitators and barriers to entering care, and (c) motivators for entering care after a delay. Findings indicate that social relationships play a significant role in trans women's care experiences and that stigma, discrimination, and adverse life circumstance are powerful deterrents to care. Practice and policy implications are discussed.