Disparities of HIV risk and PrEP use among transgender women of color in South Florida.

Background:  The majority of the transgender female population in South Florida are Latina and Black, and are at greatest risk for acquiring HIV, yet there is limited research focused on South Florida transgender women of color. The study objective was to describe the disparities among racial/ethnic minority transgender women regarding HIV screening, pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge and PrEP utilization.

Methods: Sixty transgender women, recruited from South Florida community-based organizations, completed a questionnaire on HIV prevention and PrEP awareness and use. Univariate statistics were generated to describe sexual risk behavior, PrEP awareness and use, and HIV screening by race/ethnicity.

Results: Of the 60 participants, 50% were Latina, 35% African American/non-Hispanic Black (AA/NHB), 12% white and 3% other race/ethnicity.  75% reported being screened for HIV in the last 12 months, 15% of the participants reported living with HIV (PLWH), while 19% reported an un...