Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of HIV Infections in a Representative Sample of the Transgender and Non-Binary Population in Flanders and Brussels (Belgium)

21 Pages Posted: 24 Aug 2024

See all articles by Judith Van Schuylenbergh

Judith Van Schuylenbergh

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Tom Platteau

University of Antwerp - Department of Clinical Sciences

Hans Scheers

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Hans Van Remoortel

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Dorien Van den Bossche

University of Antwerp - Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)

Fien Vanroye

University of Antwerp - Department of Clinical Sciences

Kirsten Stinkens

Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg

Davo Maras

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Quinn Arijs

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Rylan Verlooy

University of Antwerp

Geert Molenberghs

Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (IBioStat) - Data Science Institute

Joz Motmans

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Guy T'Sjoen

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Veerle Compernolle

Ghent University

Abstract

Introduction: HIV prevalence and sexual risk have been estimated high in transgender people, especially in transgender women. However, current literature is limited in that people at high risk for HIV are potentially overrepresented. This study aimed at estimating HIV prevalence and associated risk factors in a large, representative sample of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) people in Belgium. Methods: A two-stage time-location random sampling (TLS) strategy was used to select and recruit participants. Clusters were randomly selected from a sampling frame based on a qualitative mapping of community and healthcare settings frequented by TGNB people. Within selected clusters, participants were randomly selected to complete an electronic self-reported survey to measure sociological, sexual, and other risk factors. Oral fluid samples were collected and tested for HIV antibodies. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate demographic characteristics associated with risk factors for HIV infection. Findings: From December 2021 to July 2023, 1068 participants were enrolled in the study. Based on seven positive out of 1033 samples, HIV prevalence was estimated at 0·4% (95% CI 0·07-1·3%). Identifying as transgender woman as well as visiting major events, sex work settings, and nightlife were significantly associated with high risk behavior for HIV infection (all OR≥1·65, all P<0·025), whereas having ever been in contact with a transgender healthcare provider acts as a protective factor for high risk behavior (OR=0·54, 95% CI 0·33-0·86%, P=0·011). Interpretation: Overall HIV prevalence was found to be low. Factors associated with high risk behavior that can inform policies, research, and future interventions were identified. Funding: Foundation for Scientific Research of the Belgian Red Cross, Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, University Fund Ghent University and Gilead Sciences.

Note:
Trial Registration Details: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04930614).

Funding Information: his work was made possible through funding from the Foundation for Scientific Research of the Belgian Red Cross (Mechelen, Belgium), the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (Brussels, Belgium), University Fund Ghent University (Ghent, Belgium) and Gilead Sciences (Diegem, Belgium; Grant number: BE-2021-0049).

Declaration of Interests: All authors declare they have no competing interests.

Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Ghent University Hospital Ethics Committee on September 17, 2020 (BC-08157)and July 28, 2021 (BC-08527).

Keywords: HIV prevalence, sexual risk, transgender, non-binary

Suggested Citation

Van Schuylenbergh, Judith and Platteau, Tom and Scheers, Hans and Van Remoortel, Hans and Van den Bossche, Dorien and Vanroye, Fien and Stinkens, Kirsten and Maras, Davo and Arijs, Quinn and Verlooy, Rylan and Molenberghs, Geert and Motmans, Joz and T'Sjoen, Guy and Compernolle, Veerle, Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of HIV Infections in a Representative Sample of the Transgender and Non-Binary Population in Flanders and Brussels (Belgium). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4926711 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4926711

Judith Van Schuylenbergh (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Tom Platteau

University of Antwerp - Department of Clinical Sciences ( email )

Hans Scheers

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Hans Van Remoortel

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Dorien Van den Bossche

University of Antwerp - Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) ( email )

Fien Vanroye

University of Antwerp - Department of Clinical Sciences ( email )

Kirsten Stinkens

Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg ( email )

Genk
Belgium

Davo Maras

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Quinn Arijs

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Rylan Verlooy

University of Antwerp ( email )

Prinsstraat 13
Antwerp, 2000
Belgium

Geert Molenberghs

Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics (IBioStat) - Data Science Institute ( email )

Joz Motmans

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Guy T'Sjoen

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Veerle Compernolle

Ghent University ( email )

Coupure Links 653
Ghent, 9000
Belgium

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