Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Artigo Produção Nacional Revisado por pares

BIBTEX RIS

Travestis , an unexplored population at risk of HIV in a large metropolis of northeast Brazil: A respondent-driven sampling survey

2012; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 25; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/09540121.2012.726342

1360-0451

Telma Alves Martins, Lígia Regina Franco Sansigolo Kerr, Raimunda Hermelinda Maia Macena, Rosa Maria Salani Mota, Kalina Lívia Lopes Carneiro, Rogério Costa Gondim, Carl Kendall,

HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Abstract Travestis are highly vulnerable to HIV infection in Brazil. We conducted a survey among 304 travestis using Respondent-Driven Sampling from August to December 2008. Travestis are young (49% <24 years), poorly educated (55% just elementary school), low social class (62% Class C-E), reside with families (49%) or friends/madam (22%), are victims of homophobia (91%) and violence (61%). They report early sexual debut (75% 10 partners last six months) and relatively low cost (median=US$24). A majority report testing for HIV (69%), and report high prevalence (12% disclosed a positive result). Almost all the respondents refused to test in the study. Interventions, targeted to both travestis and to the general community about sexual discrimination, are necessary.