Penn finds improvements among HIV-poz trans community

A new study out this week from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that HIV-positive transgender people were just as likely to adhere to medicine and care regimens as other positive communities. The study, published May 30 online in “Clinical Infectious Diseases,” found that outcomes were improving among transgender individuals who were HIV-positive. The study looked at 36,845 patients from 13 HIV Research Network clinics between 2001-2011. Of the sample size, 285 patients self-identified as transgender. The trans patients had similar rates of retention, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and HIV suppression as non-trans patients, suggesting a reversal from previous studies that showed HIV-positive trans populations were less likely to stay in care and on medications. During the 10-year period, transgender patients were retained in care 80 percent of the time, compared with 81 percent each for self-identified men and women. About 76 percent of trans patients received ART, compared with 77 percent of men and 73 percent of women. And 68 percent of trans people achieved HIV suppression, compared with 69 percent of men and 63 percent of women. The trans patients, however, were more likely to be young, Hispanic and be biological men who have sex with men, all factors that put the community at higher risk for HIV infection, the report said. The study was led by Dr. Baligh R. Yehia, a clinical instructor in the division of infectious diseases, who said the report was motivated by the lack of data on the transgender community. “We do not have a lot of health information about transgender individuals in general and transgender individuals with HIV, so there is a huge gap in research and a huge gap in care information that we need different studies to inform us,” Yehia said. Yehia said the most surprising finding of the study also turned out to be the most significant: He was pleased to see that transgender persons are doing as well in treatment as cisgender individuals. “Based on what I have been reading, I expected transgender persons would not be doing as well just because that is how it has always been or at least reported. It is refreshing that they are doing just as well,” Yehia said. The study only reported on individuals who were currently in care. Yehia reiterated the importance of all people, regardless of gender identity, getting tested for HIV. “A lot of folks don’t know they are infected, so once you get in care you do just as well,” he said. “It is motivation to make sure we test everyone and test transgender individuals since they are a high-risk group and get them into care.” Yehia said he hopes this study fuels similar projects. “It calls for more studies like these and research to focus on LGBT health and really build on those qualities, and it should drive people to get tested and get into care regardless. You have a chance of being retained in care and starting therapy and there are so many benefits once you enter care.”