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Smeaton LM, Kileel EM, Grinsztejn B, Gardner EM, Starr K, Murry ML, Desvigne-Nickens P, Alston-Smith B, Waclawiw MA, Cooper-Arnold K, Madruga JV, Sangle S, Fitch KV, Zanni MV, Douglas PS, Ribaudo HJ, Grinspoon SK, Klingman KL. Characteristics of REPRIEVE Trial Participants Identifying Across the Transgender Spectrum. The Journal of infectious diseases. 2020 Jul 9;222(222). S31-S40.
Abstract
Because persons who identify across the transgender spectrum (PATS) are a key population in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) yet are underreported in HIV and cardiovascular research, we aimed to characterize this population within the REPRIEVE global clinical trial (n = 7770). Acceptance of gathering gender identity was high (96%). Participation by PATS was 1.7% overall, 2.4% among natal males, 0.3% among natal females, and varied across geographic regions (from 0% in sub-Saharan Africa to 2.3% in High Income Region). Thirty percent of natal male PATS identified other than transgender. Some characteristics differed by gender. Most notably, 38% of natal male PATS receiving gender-affirming treatment had waist circumference >102 cm (compared with ≤25% in other groups). Given that PATS is a key population, HIV research should routinely report trial participation and outcomes by gender in addition to natal sex, to provide the results needed to optimize medical care to PATS.