Stigma and discrimination against transgender men in Bhutan.

Background: While transgender people worldwide face high rates of stigma and discrimination, there are few studies of transgender men (also "trans men") in Asia. We measured the prevalence of, and factors associated with, stigma and discrimination faced by trans men in Bhutan to bring visibility to their experiences and inform health and social policy changes.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine regions in Bhutan from November 2019 to January 2020.

Population size estimation of transgender women and men in Bhutan.

Introduction: Transgender persons experience health disparities and are marginalized in many societies worldwide. Even their numbers are unknown in many countries. We conducted the first effort to estimate the population size of transgender women (TGW) and transgender men (TGM) in Bhutan from November 2019 to January 2020.

Redefining the Mode of HIV Transmission through Analysis of Risk Attribution among the Reported HIV Cases from 1993 to 2021 in Bhutan.

Introduction: The detailed risk assessment of the diagnosed HIV cases in Bhutan is an opportunity to carry out the risk analysis to generate evidence of wherein, under what context, and in which population groups most new infections are occurring. The evidence collected will help to test the current assumption of Bhutan experiencing diffused and generalized HIV epidemic.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a quantitative method to assess the risk behavior of the diagnosed HIV cases from 1993 to 2019.

Characteristics and Population Size Estimation of Female Sex Workers in Bhutan.

Background: Knowing the number of persons at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their risk behaviors are needed to allocate limited resources, set targets for prevention and care activities, gauge the reach of programs, and assess their impact. Female sex workers (FSWs) are a population at high risk for STD worldwide; little is known about FSW in Bhutan.

Methods: We conducted a community-based survey and population size exercise of FSW in Bhutan.

Baseline CD4 count and the time interval between the initial HIV infection and diagnosis among PLHIV in Bhutan.

Introduction: CD4 count is an important predictor of disease progression, opportunities infection, deaths, and to understand the time interval between initial HIV infection to the first diagnosis. However, baseline CD4 count and the time period between initial infection and the diagnosis amongst PLHIV in Bhutan never been evaluated.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of the diagnosed PLHIV from the existing data system from January 10 to 30, 2021.

Measles and rubella immunity in the population of Bhutan, 2017.

Background: In 2017, measles elimination was verified in Bhutan, and the country appears to have sufficiently high vaccination coverage to achieve rubella elimination. However, a measles and rubella serosurvey was conducted to find if any hidden immunity gaps existed that could threaten Bhutan's elimination status.

Methods: A nationwide, three-stage, cluster seroprevalence survey was conducted among individuals aged 1-4, 5-17, and >20 years in 2017.