Recruiting Black and Latina/Hispanic Transgender Women for HIV Research: Implementation of Respondent-Driven Sampling and Factors Associated with Peer Recruitment.

Purpose: We aim to examine if respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a feasible and efficient method to recruit Black and Latina/Hispanic transgender women into HIV research.

Methods: As part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study among transgender women in New York City in 2019, RDS was implemented with a focus on recruiting Black and Latina/Hispanic transgender women. We identified factors independently associated with (1) peer recruitment and (2) presenting to the study with a photo coupon.

Results: A total of 269 transgender women were enrolled, 94% of whom were Black or Latina/Hispanic. In terms of peer recruitment, 47% recruited at least one eligible peer. Compared with those who were aged 18-29 years, those aged 30-39 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-3.07) and those aged 50 years or older (aPR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.32-2.94) were more likely to recruit an eligible peer. Peer recruitment was also associated with utilizing HIV prevention services in the past 12 months (aPR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.18-2.23). We did not find any differences in presenting the study with a photo recruitment coupon versus a physical recruitment coupon.

Conclusion: RDS was feasible and efficient in recruiting Black and Latina/Hispanic transgender women. Providing gender-affirming environments as well as allowing peer recruitment through photo coupons may have facilitated peer recruitment and study participation. Our findings regarding factors associated with peer recruitment could aid in future study design and may help in addressing the lack of HIV research among Black and Latina/Hispanic transgender women.