Second Round HIV/STI Prevalence and Behavioral Tracking Survey among Male-to-Female Transgender in Lao PDR

The survey aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among male-to-female transgender individuals in Lao PDR. The study also examined behavioral factors related to HIV/STI risk, including condom use, HIV testing, and STI screening. The survey was conducted in 2012, with a sample size of 417 male-to-female transgender individuals. The study sites were located in various provinces of Lao PDR, including Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Champasak. The inclusion criteria for the study were male-to-female transgender individuals aged 18 years and above, who were residents of Lao PDR. The survey used a combination of laboratory procedures and self-reported data to assess HIV/STI prevalence and behavioral factors. The survey found that the majority of respondents (71.5%) had completed secondary education or higher. The most common occupations among respondents were sex work (34.5%), entertainment (23.5%), and sales (14.5%). The survey also found that the majority of respondents (85.5%) had multiple partners in the last month, with an average of 3.5 sexual partners and 5.5 sex acts. The HIV/STI prevalence among respondents was found to be 4.8% for HIV, 5.5% for Chlamydia, and 2.4% for Gonorrhea. The survey also found that condom use was low among respondents, with only 44.5% reporting consistent joint use of condoms and water-based lubricants in the last month. The survey found that the majority of respondents (85.5%) had not been tested for HIV in the last year, and only 21.5% had been tested for STIs. The survey also examined the factors associated with HIV/STI risk, including opportunity, ability, and motivation factors related to condom use. The study found that respondents who had higher levels of education and income were more likely to use condoms consistently. The survey also found that respondents who had been exposed to peer education programs were more likely to use condoms consistently and to have been tested for HIV and STIs. The survey also examined the association between New Friends DiC/Peer IPC exposure and HIV/STI testing, healthy behaviors, and knowledge and beliefs. The study found that respondents who had been exposed to New Friends DiC/Peer IPC were more likely to have been tested for HIV and STIs, to use condoms consistently, and to have knowledge and beliefs about HIV/STI transmission routes. The survey also examined condom purchasing behavior and perceptions of Number 1 condoms. The study found that the majority of respondents (85.5%) had purchased condoms in the last month, and the most common places of purchase were pharmacies and convenience stores. The survey also found that respondents who had seen Number 1 condom advertisements were more likely to purchase condoms. The survey concluded that male-to-female transgender individuals in Lao PDR are at high risk of HIV and other STIs due to low levels of condom use and HIV testing. The study recommended that peer education programs and condom promotion activities be implemented to reduce HIV/STI risk among this population. The study also recommended that HIV testing and STI screening be increased among male-to-female transgender individuals in Lao PDR.