Girlfriends: evaluation of an HIV-risk reduction intervention for adult transgender women

AIDS Educ Prev. 2011 Oct;23(5):469-78. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2011.23.5.469.

Abstract

This study evaluated Girlfriends, a behavioral HIV intervention, developed for male-to-female transgender persons, for whom there are few scientifically evaluated prevention programs. The Girlfriends intervention included four group-level sessions. We used a single group, pre-post test design to assess changes in sexual risk behaviors at 3-month follow-up. We enrolled 63 transgender women into the study. Forty-six percent were Hispanic and 35% were African American. Three months after the intervention, participants had fewer sexual partners (p = .043) and were less likely to have any unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with male exchange partners (p = .013) and unprotected sex at last vaginal or anal sex episode with female and male partners (p = .039). The findings of this study are promising. We observed behavioral effects among a largely ethnic minority sample of transgender women. Replication with a larger sample and a control group is needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Transsexualism / psychology
  • Young Adult