A recent nationally representative survey of transgender people found that 58% of trans men and 35% of trans women are familiar with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), aidsmap reports.

This is according to a Gallup poll of trans people in the United States conducted on behalf of a team of researchers led by Jae Sevelius, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco.

Through an extensive search effort that included phone calls and mailers to a random selection of 432,251 people across the country, the poll identified 929 trans people (0.2%). Out of that group, the study wound up with 190 HIV-negative trans men and women who reported having had sex within the past five years and who completed a health-based survey. A total of 120 members of the group were considered at risk of contracting HIV.

Of the 190 trans people, 56% were trans men, and 59% were white. Eighty-three percent lived in an urban area, 58% had greater than a high school education and 23% reported living in poverty.

Overall, 48% of the trans survey participants were familiar with PrEP, including 58% of trans men and 35% of trans women. Those who had more than a high school education were more likely to be familiar with PrEP.

Nonwhite respondents were more likely than white ones to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for HIV testing frequency and to report looking online for LGBT­- or trans-specific health information.

Those who were tested for HIV regularly had a higher rate of familiarity with PrEP. Three percent of the trans individuals were taking PrEP.

“These findings may indicate some success of HIV testing outreach programs that prioritize people at higher risk for acquiring HIV, focusing on those who are vulnerable to structural marginalization,” the study authors concluded. “Ongoing public health efforts are needed to increase HIV testing and PrEP awareness among transgender adults, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV.”

To read the aidsmap article, click here. 

To read the study, click here.