A study of the awareness of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among Transsexual prostitutes attending the Middle Road Hospital was made. The present study involved 71 subjects of a cohort of 100 who were interviewed a year earlier and had subsequently been given intensive health education. The results show that there was now an increased awareness of AIDS in virtually all the subjects studied. In contrast, there has been no significant change in the use of safe sex practices as a direct consequence of this knowledge. The reasons for this are discussed. There may be a need for more intensive behaviour modification programme in this group of individuals.
PIP: 100 Transsexual prostitutes originally interviewed in 1984 and 1985 were recalled in Singapore and interviewed by questionnaire during 1985 and 1986. 71 completed the health education session. They were given a pamphlet about methods of transmission and measures used to decrease risk. Individual verbal counselling on risk factors, transmission, and the etiology of AIDS was administered by the Epidemiological Counselling Unit (ECU). Condoms and the reduction of exchange of body fluids were recommended to decrease risk. Gonococcal smears were taken every 2 weeks, and syphilis serology was done 3 monthly. There were 35 Chinese aged 20-49, 27 Malays aged 20--55, and 9 Indians aged 24-33. THere was a greater awareness of AIDS in the present cohort of 71 subjects as a result of health education sessions conducted by the ECU. However, there was no significant difference in the sexual practices within the 3 ethnic groups. They continued their high risk sexual practices as before, probably because of their socioeconomic status and their educational level. They were avoiding Caucasians and oral sex, as sources of HIV infection. Condom usage did not change significantly, however, their perception that attendance at the hospital protected them from AIDS dropped from 26 (26%) in 1984-85 to 2 (3%) in 1985-86. THese finding show that although there was in increased awareness of AIDS, there was no significant change in the use of safe sex practices. More intensive but simple behavior modification programs are needed to reduce unsafe sex practices.