Improving Recruitment and Retention of Transgender Women in HIV Prevention Trials: Strategies to Make Trial Participation More Congruent with the Needs of Transgender Women

Abstract

Transgender women are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Though there is a substantial body of research exploring barriers and facilitators of HIV prevention among transgender women, many barriers remain unaddressed. This study identifies strategies to make HIV prevention trials more congruent with transgender women's preferences and needs to boost trial participation and ultimately enhance initiation and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We conducted in-depth interviews with 15 sexually active, HIV-negative transgender women in New York City to understand: (1) preferences concerning long-acting injectable cabotegravir for PrEP and (2) ideas on how to make HIV prevention trial environments more comfortable. We identified five themes related to increasing transgender women's appeal to trials: (1) creating a more inclusive/welcoming environment, (2) providing compensation that is responsive to transgender women and community needs, (3) centering transgender women in recruitment and informational materials, (4) training study staff on gender-affirming practices, and (5) hiring transgender people as study staff. Participants wanted to see more gender diversity, representation, correct pronouns, gender-affirming practices, and compensation or reimbursements. Together, these practices may improve recruitment and retention of transgender women in HIV prevention trials.

Keywords: HIV; HIV prevention; PrEP; disparities in HIV.