Factors associated with the perception of HIV vulnerability among transgender women in three Colombian cities

To describe the perception of vulnerability to HIV and its associated factors among transgender women (TW) in Bogotá, Medellín and Santiago de Cali, Colombia.

We conducted a cross-sectional study, using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in which 620 TW participated. Sociodemographic aspects, sexual behavior, consumption of psychoactive substances and the perception of vulnerability to HIV were studied. We carried out a descriptive analysis, in which bivariate associations were evaluated using chi-square. We also conducted a multivariate analysis and built a model using Poisson regression.

Of the participants, 63% were 35 years old or younger, had low income, started sexual relations at an early age and worked mainly as sex workers, webcam models and hairdressers; 84.7% of the participants had received money in exchange for sex at some point. The perception of vulnerability to HIV increased among those who were single, worked in prostitution, had sexually transmitted infections in the last year, avoided preventive health services and consumed cocaine during the six months before this survey.

The perception of vulnerability to HIV among the TW participants in this study is high; therefore, effective interventions are required to improve the living conditions and sexual behavior of this population.