Understanding the Meaning of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Transgender Women Sex Workers in Cebu City

Abstract

With over 30% of transgender women selling sex in Cebu City, introducing PrEP to them makes sense as it cuts the risk of HIV infection by 99%. Unfortunately, they are neglected in PrEP-related efforts. Using a phenomenological framework, this research attempted to get a clearer picture on their lived experiences related to sources of PrEP information and supplies. Data was gathered in January 2023, with in-depth interviews done involving 20 transgender women who do sex work in Cebu City.

On their PrEP understanding, three themes surfaced: participants had no understanding of PrEP, confused PrEP with ARV or non-HIV medication, and only had basic PrEP knowledge. Meanwhile, both for their sources of PrEP information and PrEP supplies, two themes surfaced: these came from formal, or from informal sources. The former was criticized for not knowing about PrEP, and for not being transgender friendly, while the latter was preferred for being readily available, and for providing more comprehensible and transgender-friendly information.

This research recommends empowering informal sources, including training them to provide both PrEP information and supplies; and amending existing PrEP messaging by incorporating transgender-specific concerns and using languages used by the transgender community.