Preference for Long-Acting HIV Prevention Methods Among Transgender Women Vulnerable to HIV in Eastern and Southern United States: Findings from the LITE Study.

HIV incidence among transgender women remains high and disproportionately impacts young, Black, and Latina transgender women. Data on preferred PrEP modalities among this population are limited. Participants in The LITE Cohort completed a survey module on PrEP modality preferences during 24-month study visits.

Access to healthcare among transgender women living with and without HIV in the United States: associations with gender minority stress and resilience factors.

Background: Transgender women (TW) experience significant inequities in healthcare access and health disparities compared to cisgender populations. Access to non-transition related healthcare is understudied among TW. We aimed to assess the association between access to care and gender minority stress and resilience factors among TW living with and without HIV in eastern and southern United States.

PrEP initiation and discontinuation among transgender women in the United States: a longitudinal, mixed methods cohort study.

Introduction: Transgender women in the United States experience high HIV incidence and suboptimal Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement. We sought to estimate PrEP initiation and discontinuation rates and characterize PrEP discontinuation experiences among a prospective cohort of transgender women.

Methods: Using a sequential, explanatory, mixed-methods design, 1312 transgender women at risk for HIV acquisition were enrolled from March 2018 to August 2020 and followed through July 2022 (median follow-up 24 months; interquartile range 15-36).

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimation for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data From the LITE Plus Cohort Study.

Introduction: Approximately 2% of the U.S. population identifies as transgender, and transgender people experience disproportionate rates of cardiovascular disease mortality.

HIV incidence and mortality in transgender women in the eastern and southern USA: a multisite cohort study.

Background: Epidemiological monitoring of HIV among transgender women is minimal despite prioritisation of this group in the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022-2025). We aimed to estimate HIV incidence in a multisite cohort of transgender women in the eastern and southern USA. Participant deaths were identified during follow-up; thus, we felt it was an ethical imperative to report mortality alongside HIV incidence.

HIV awareness and prevention strategies among transgender women in the Eastern and Southern United States: findings from the LITE Study.

Introduction: Transgender women (TW) experience an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. This study identified patterns of HIV awareness and prevention strategies used by TW who were not living with HIV.

Methods: Data were drawn from a baseline survey of the LITE Study, a multi-site cohort of TW in Eastern and Southern United States (March 2018-August 2020).

Characterizing Arrest and Incarceration in a Prospective Cohort of Transgender Women.

This study characterized arrest, incarceration, and risk factors for incident incarceration among transgender women (TW) in the northeastern and southern United States. During semiannual study visits over 24 months in a multicenter cohort study, TW completed HIV testing and self-administered surveys. In total, 1571 TW completed baseline survey; 1,312 HIV-negative TW enrolled in the cohort and contributed 2134.

Prevention-effective adherence trajectories among transgender women indicated for PrEP in the United States: a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: Adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) during periods of PrEP-indication (i.e., prevention-effective adherence) is critical for preventing HIV.

Perceived HIV Acquisition Risk and Low Uptake of PrEP Among a Cohort of Transgender Women With PrEP Indication in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Introduction: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV among adherent users. However, PrEP uptake among transgender women is low, and current prescribing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not specific to transgender women. Self-perceived risk of HIV among those who are PrEP-indicated is not well understood.

Transgender and Gender Diverse Community Connection, Help-Seeking, and Mental Health Among Black Transgender Women Who Have Survived Violence: A Mixed-Methods Analysis.

Black transgender women are disproportionately affected by violence and poor care-delivery, contributing to poor mental health. Little is known regarding the effect of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community connection (TCC) on health. This analysis (a) explores relationships between TCC, polyvictimization, and mental health and (b) analyzes how TCC influenced help-seeking following violent experiences among Black transgender women.

Digital Epidemiologic Research on Multilevel Risks for HIV Acquisition and Other Health Outcomes Among Transgender Women in Eastern and Southern United States: Protocol for an Online Cohort.

Background: The HIV epidemic disproportionately impacts transgender women in the United States. Cohort studies identify unique risks for affected populations, but use of facility-based methods may bias findings towards individuals living in research catchment areas, more engaged in health services, or, in the case of transgender populations, those who are open about their transgender identity. Digital clinical trials and other online research methods are increasingly common, providing opportunity to reach those not commonly engaged in research.

Integrated Assessment of Viral Transcription, Antigen Presentation, and CD8 T Cell Function Reveals Multiple Limitations of Class I-Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors during HIV-1 Latency Reversal.

Clinical trials investigating histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to reverse HIV-1 latency aim to expose reservoirs in antiretroviral (ARV)-treated individuals to clearance by immune effectors, yet have not driven measurable reductions in the frequencies of infected cells. We therefore investigated the effects of the class I-selective HDACi nanatinostat and romidepsin on various blocks to latency reversal and elimination, including viral splicing, antigen presentation, and CD8 T cell function. In CD4 T cells from ARV-suppressed individuals, both HDACi significantly induced viral transcription, but not splicing nor supernatant HIV-1 RNA.

American Cohort to Study HIV Acquisition Among Transgender Women in High-Risk Areas (The LITE Study): Protocol for a Multisite Prospective Cohort Study in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Background: In the United States, transgender women (TW) are disproportionately burdened by HIV infection. Cohort studies are needed to evaluate factors driving HIV acquisition among TW over time. These will require implementation strategies that are acceptable to the TW community and feasible to implement.

Validation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence: The Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS).

The Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS) is an 8-item measure of opioid dependence designed for quick, targeted screening in clinical and research settings. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, criteria, the RODS has an average administration of less than 2 minutes and can easily be administered as a stand-alone instrument or as part of a comprehensive interview. This study reports on the initial validation of the RODS among a sample of 97 newly incarcerated, HIV-positive individuals.