Adoção da profilaxia de pré-exposição para o HIV entre mulheres trans e travestis: um estudo qualitativo sobre sexualidade e saúde

Abstract

To identify dimensions related to the lower adherence of trans women and transvestites to the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Introduction: Since the 1980s, when it emerged, HIV/AIDS has been a condition overcome by stigma. Although today there are already medications for the prevention and treatment of the infection, it is still a disease with a high rate of infection due to non-adherence to prevention or treatment methods, so that vulnerable populations continue to be significantly affected. Methods: This is a qualitative research that considers the personal experiences of 25 participants through in-depth interviews. Results: The main findings for the lower adherence to the use of PrEP among participants are: discrimination faced by the community when seeking care; bureaucracy of health services to include them or keep them in the program; fear of receiving a positive result for sexually transmitted infections, mainly HIV; misinformation within the community about the treatment; effectiveness of the medication; doubts about eligibility; regularity of use and side effects of the treatment. Discussion: The prejudice suffered by the community from health professionals was the most relevant result in the reports, causing misinformation and excessive bureaucracy, and hindering inclusion and access to the PrEP program. Conclusion: Through existing public health policies that include trans women and transvestites, it is important that there is training for professionals, so that this knowledge is disseminated and reaches the target audience so that, given their vulnerabilities, they can protect themselves and have a longer life expectancy.