High interest for long-acting injectable PrEP among men who have sex with men at most risk for HIV in San Francisco, 2021.

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a disproportionate total of incident HIV cases. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has contributed to significant declines in total HIV incidence. Barriers to PrEP include individual and structural factors that can prevent PrEP adherence and persistence.

Detectable viral load associated with unmet mental health and substance use needs among trans women living with HIV in San Francisco, California.

Background: Substance use and mental distress are known barriers to HIV care engagement among trans women. Less is known about access and utilization of mental health and substance use care among trans women and the relationship between unmet behavioral health needs and HIV viral suppression. We examined the relationship between mental health and substance use on HIV viral load among trans women living with HIV.

Prevalence and correlates of substance use and associations with HIV-related outcomes among trans women in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Background: Trans women face tremendous social inequities as well as disproportionate rates of HIV and substance use, yet disaggregated substance use data specific to trans women remain limited.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline data from the Trans*National Study (2016-2017) surveying trans women in the San Francisco Bay Area (n = 629). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze socio-demographic and environmental correlates of substance use, and bivariate associations between substance use and HIV-associated outcomes are presented alongside prevalence data.

Mental Distress and Use of Stimulants: Analysis of a Longitudinal Cohort of Transgender Women.

The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of mental distress (depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), incarceration, and hate crime on stimulant use (methamphetamine, crack, and cocaine) among transgender women. We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data collected from 2016 to 2018 with 429 transgender women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Generalized estimating equation log-binomial regressions were used to calculate relative risks of stimulant use associated with mental distress, incarceration, and hate crime.

"Lost trust in the system": system barriers to publicly available mental health and substance use services for transgender women in San Francisco.

Background: Little is known about the barriers to mental health and substance use services for trans women living with HIV. We conducted a qualitative study with trans women living with HIV and providers to explore barriers to mental health and substance use services in San Francisco.

Methods: We conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews with a total of 15 medical, mental health, substance use, and social service providers and trans women living with HIV.

Barriers to accessing and engaging in healthcare as potential modifiers in the association between polyvictimization and mental health among Black transgender women.

Background: Black transgender women endure pervasive polyvictimization (experiencing multiple forms of violence throughout the lifespan). Polyvictimization is associated with poor mental health. Black transgender women also face barriers in access to healthcare, but the extent that such barriers modify the association between polyvictimization and poor mental health has not been described using convergent mixed-methods analysis.

Resilience, Physical Activity, and Depression in Women Living With HIV in the San Francisco Bay Area: A Cross-sectional Study.

There is a lack of literature on the effects of physical activity and depression on resilience in women living with HIV. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of sociodemographic factors, physical activity, and depression on resilience among 97 women living with HIV using linear regression models. Among these women, the mean resilience score was 70.

Social and Behavioral Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men who Have Sex with Men who Use Alcohol in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is driven by various socio-behavioral factors. From 2015-2017, 247 MSM ≥ 18 years-old who reported alcohol use in the past year, were recruited into a cross-sectional study in San Francisco. Participants completed a survey assessing socio-demographics, substance use and treatment, sexual behaviors, HIV status and self-reported STI diagnosis in the past 6 months.

Experiences and factors associated with transphobic hate crimes among transgender women in the San Francisco Bay Area: comparisons across race.

Background: Trans women experience high rates of gender-based violence (GBV)-a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Transphobic hate crimes are one such form of GBV that affect trans women. However, little is understood about factors that shape transphobic hate crimes and racial/ethnic variation in these experiences.

Successes and final challenges along the HIV care continuum with transwomen in San Francisco.

Introduction: To examine the HIV care continuum for transwomen living in San Francisco and to determine factors associated with poor HIV-related health outcomes.

Methods: Data were collected from 2016 to 2017 with transwomen in San Francisco. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit a population-based sample.

Medication adherence among transgender women living with HIV.

Medication adherence is linked to health outcomes among adults with HIV infection. Transgender women living with HIV (TWLWH) in the US report suboptimal adherence to medications and are found to have difficulty integrating HIV medication into their daily routine, but few studies explore the factors associated with medication adherence among transgender women. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine demographic and clinical factors related to self-reported medication adherence among transgender women.