Understanding Gaps of HIV Knowledge Among Transgender Young Adults: A Pilot Interview Study

Abstract

Many transgender young adults are unaware of the role of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV prevention. Our aim was to understand where transgender and gender-diverse young adults receive health information about HIV and PrEP and their preferences for future learning. Semistructured, qualitative individual and group interviews were done with 14 transgender and gender-diverse young adults. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the interviews related to (1) making trustworthy education materials, (2) the importance of communities, (3) knowledge needed about PrEP, and (4) a lack of early and diverse classroom education. Transgender and genderdiverse persons are at higher risk for HIV than their cisgender peers, yet they have information gaps and hold misconceptions about preventative measures like PrEP. Such misconceptions may be addressed by early, inclusive conversations about HIV transmission and prevention.