Access of transgender people and transvestites to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in Brazil: a descriptive study, 2018-2023

Acceso de personas trans y travestis a la profilaxis preexposición al VIH en Brasil: estudio descriptivo, 2018-2023

Objectives  To analyze access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV in Brazil, comparing transgender and cisgender populations.

Methods  This was a descriptive study using data from the Medication Logistics Control System (Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos - SICLOM), related to the monitoring of PrEP between January 2018 and December 2023.

Results  During the period analyzed, 149,022 people initiated PrEP, of whom 139,423 (94%) were cisgender and 9,599 (6%) were transgender. 54% cisgender and 46% transgender people were of White/Asian skin color, 67% cisgender and 48% transgender people had 12 or more years of study, and 40% cisgender and 52% transgender people were aged 15 to 29 years.

Conclusion  The data showed disparities in access to PrEP, with the transgender population still underrepresented. Expanding targeted strategies may mitigate specific barriers faced by this population and promote greater equity in access to prophylaxis.

Keywords
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Transgender People; HIV; Cross-Sectional Studies

Main results  Access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV was limited among transgender people and transvestite. At national level, access revealed vulnerabilities and inequalities.

Implications for services  There is a need to raise awareness among services to reduce access barriers and expand access to PrEP for this population.

Perspectives  It is necessary to expand equitable access to PrEP, addressing stigma and discrimination.