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Abstract
HIV/AIDS transgender support group: improving care delivery and creating a community
O. Nwando1, K. Appiah2, N. Nwaka1
Issues: Transgender patients treated at our large urban HIV/AIDS primary care clinic presented with poor records of medical compliance and stated feelings of isolation and discrimination. A support group was developed to address the needs of this unique population.
Description: The HIV transgender support group recruited male-to-female pre-operative transsexual outpatients who were socially and emotionally isolated and some of whom were sex workers. The group provided a safe environment for patients to give mutual support, develop communication skills and address concerns of prejudice. The group educated each other on safer sex, challenges of condom use, and the risk of physical violence from sex customers. The group leader created a supportive environment for patients, who had experienced stigmatization, discrimination and rejection from family.
Lessons learned: The HIV transgender group met 83 sessions and involved 12 members throughout the course of 2 years. Group members initially were unable to help one another due to their frustration with societal prejudice. Transsexual patients stated a dramatic increase in trust for their health care providers over the 2 years. The number of clinic appointments missed by group members decreased from 64% in 2003 to 12% in 2004. The group developed their community within the clinic, shared HIV and transgender information, provided mutual support and fought discrimination. Universal concerns identified by the group included the effort to maintain female physical appearance during HIV illness progression the challenge of condom use to female self perception and the protection of one´s gender selection during hospitalization and funeral arrangements. The group members created a videotape to educate health care providers on their needs to reach out to isolated transsexuals in the community.
Recommendations: A formerly isolated noncompliant subgroup of patients was able to create a community of strength and support through a culturally sensitive group. This increased their medical compliance and enhanced their self-esteem.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDB1130
Suggested Citation
"O.Nwando, et al.
HIV/AIDS transgender support group: improving care delivery and creating a community.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDB1130"
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