Stigma, HIV Risk Behavior, and HIV Seropositivity among Hijra and Transgender in India: Insights from Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance.

Abstract

Background: The hijra and transgender (H/TG) persons have enhanced risk of HIV infection.

Objectives: We aimed to explore whether there were any associations between stigma, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV seropositivity among H/TG persons in India.

Materials and methods: We analyzed 4966 H/TG participants, from the national integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey conducted in 2014-2015 focusing on experiences of stigma from family, friends, and healthcare settings. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval, to assess the association if any, between stigma, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV seropositivity among H/TG persons in India.

Results: Nearly half of the participants reported experiencing stigma from social circles, whereas a significant proportion faced stigma in healthcare setting. The stigma was associated with HIV risk behaviors such as inconsistent condom use, substance use, and lower HIV knowledge. We did not find a direct association between stigma and HIV seropositivity, suggesting that while stigma influences behaviors, its impact on actual HIV infection rates may be more nuanced.

Conclusions: There was a need for targeted interventions to address stigma faced by H/TG from their social circle and also in healthcare setting.