Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Male Transgenders in Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Lahore, Pakistan : Male Transgenders in Transmission of HIV

Akash  John; Muhammad Saleem  Rana; Asif  Hanif; Tallat Anwar  Faridi; Sofia  Noor; Sana  Zahid; Serena  Taj

doi:10.54393/pbmj.v4i1.84

Authors

Akash John University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging, University of Lahore, Gujrat Campus
Muhammad Saleem Rana University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus
Asif Hanif University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus
Tallat Anwar Faridi University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus
Sofia Noor University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus
Sana Zahid University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus
Serena Taj University Institute of Public Health, The University of Lahore, Main Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v4i1.84

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a subgroup of retrovirus causing HIV infection which if prolongs turns into a progressive failure of the immune system called as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is commonly prevalent in Male Transgenders who are born male and disobeys the cultural defined social norms and identify themselves as a female. The objective was to assess knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Transgender Community regarding Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Lahore, Pakistan. A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey was conducted in Nine Towns of Lahore. A sample size of 79 was calculated and data was collected in duration of 9 months. A self-administered survey-based questionnaire was developed using WHO and National AIDS control Programme guidelines followed and pilot tested. Data was collected after Informed consent.The mean age of Respondents was 29.56 ± 8.27 years with minimum and maximum age as 19 and 50. In this study the mean knowledge score of the transgender about HIV Transmission was 2.804±0.32, the mean score of attitudes of transgender were 3.25±0.19 and the mean practice score was 2.931±0.28.Majority of the transgender have insufficient knowledge, and bad attitude towards their health. They have unsafe sexual practice and Drug Interventions playing a significant role in HIV epidemic. Majority of them are uneducated, unemployed and found sex selling and dancing an easiest way of earning. Their knowledge about HIV screening, transmission, and antiretroviral therapy is low.

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