Sexual behaviour and prevalence of HIV antibodies in transsexuals

To present data on the social characteristics, sexual behaviour and prevalence of HIV antibodies in 277 transsexuals.

One hundred fifty-four male and 123 female transsexuals requesting surgical gender reassignment at the National University Hospital, Singapore were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Blood samples were also taken at booking and prior to surgery and tested for HIV antibodies using a commercial enzyme immunoassay.

The mean ages of the male and female transsexuals were 26.3 and 28.3 years respectively. The majority of the transsexuals were Singaporean Chinese and had at least a secondary school education. None of the female and 14 (9%) of the male transsexuals were engaged in prostitution. Significantly more female (48%) than male (10.4%) transsexuals were sexually inactive. The sexual behaviour and practices of the transsexuals are also discussed.

Significantly more male transsexuals compared to the female transsexuals, were sexually active, had earlier sexual contact, engaged more often in anal intercourse, and had 7 or more sexual partners. However, none of our transsexuals were positive for HIV antibodies.