Findings from Formative Research to Develop a Strength-Based HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Promotion mHealth Intervention for Transgender Women

Abstract

Purpose: Transgender women experience significant health disparities, including increased risk of HIV infection. In this study, we examined the sexual health needs of transgender women in the context of their overall health and well-being and to identify overarching content framing strategies and content for a mobile health intervention. Methods: We conducted four focus groups and 20 individual in-depth interviews in the United States with racially and geographically diverse transgender women. Results: Four key themes were identified: structural factors as a central part of health; prioritization of transitionrelated care and mental health; the need for sexual health beyond preventing sexually transmitted infections and HIV; and the importance of connection and community. Conclusions: These themes can help inform the development of HIV prevention and sexual health promotion interventions for transgender women. The results suggest that the HIV and sexual health needs of transgender women should be addressed within the context of structural factors with a focus on resilience, community connection, and social support.

mHealth for transgender and gender-expansive youth: harnessing gender-affirmative cross-disciplinary innovations to advance HIV prevention and care interventions

“…Its functionality is grounded in qualitative formative research with trans-feminine communities, and its developers, UX specialists, and engineers worked in tandem with an expert advisory panel of trans women of color leaders in service provision. The most recently reported prototype incorporates a vision board permitting users to set personal goals across structural domains such as schooling, employment, and housing (as well as motivations such as "making a difference"), allowing its trans-feminine target users to collage their own photos and/or create original images and text; educational video modules on PrEP, and a map of local PrEP providers; and an interactive resource map that taps users' smartphone GPS to show them local providers of medical, social, legal, educational, employment, and housing services(101). cities across the U.S. Those findings emphasized the importance of structural determinants of trans women's health, their holistic understandings of their sexual health, and desires for supportive bonds with other trans women(101).…”

A Sexual Health Promotion App for Transgender Women (Trans Women Connected): Development and Usability Study

“…The research team conducted four focus groups and 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with transgender women between the ages of 18 and 59 years living in urban and rural areas in every region of the United States [39]. Briefly, women were recruited through partnerships with community-based organizations, fliers in community spaces and on social media, and word of mouth.…”

Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Ethical Approaches when Conducting Research with Vulnerable Populations

“…For example, in a qualitative study with a racially and geographically diverse group of transgender women, researchers utilized both focus groups and individual in-depth interviews to elicit sexual health needs through a lens of overall health and well-being. 22 Through this lens, participants were able to address specific sexual health needs and also identified the important strengths of connection and community utilized in overall wellness. These researchers intentionally asked questions to identify these women's strengths and resources, which can lead to meaningful solutions in supporting their sexual health needs and well-being.…”