Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Jill Kaspszak

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on health and have created a social challenge in managing HIV risk behavior in the transgender population. The aim of this study was to determine the association between ACEs and HIV risk behavior among the transgender population and identify the association between ACE score (1, 2, 3, 4, or more) and HIV risk behavior among the transgender population. This involved a quantitative methodology using a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questionnaire to obtain data from 323 transgender participants. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between ACEs and HIV risk behavior. ACEs had a statistically significant relationship with HIV risk behavior among transgender individuals (adjusted OR: 12.7; 95% CI: 1.51 – 42.2). Distribution of ACE score was statistically significant by age (p < 0.001) and race/ethnicity (p = 0.01). In addition, respondents who experienced four or more ACEs were 26 times more likely to report HIV risk behavior (OR: 25.5; 95% CI: 2.82–231.8) compared to respondents who did not report any ACEs. The results imply that ACEs have a negative impact on transgender social and behavioral health and increase risk for factors that accentuate HIV susceptibility which is a major challenge in mitigating the HIV pandemic. Therefore, the findings indicate the need for an enhanced focus on the role of ACEs and toxic stress with interventions aimed towards reducing HIV risk behavior among transgender individuals. Such social changes would positively affect society, improving the approaches to dealing with ACE, toxic stress and reducing the associated health complications.

Download

Share

 
COinS