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HIV

Undiagnosed HIV among Transgender Women in the United States: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, have conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV among transgender women in the US. The study used a hybrid cohort of 2,549 participants who underwent HIV testing and sociobehavioral assessments. The results showed that 28 participants (1.1%) had undiagnosed HIV, with identifies as a person of color and past 6-month stimulant use being significant correlates of undiagnosed HIV. The study highlights the urgent need for accessible HIV testing and linkage to HIV prevention and care to achieve HIV strategy goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 28 (1.1%) out of 2,549 transgender women in the US had undiagnosed HIV, indicating a significant public health concern.
  • Identifies as a person of color and past 6-month stimulant use were found to be significant correlates of undiagnosed HIV.
  • Among transgender women of color, correlates of undiagnosed HIV were past 6-month stimulant use, no lifetime HIV testing history, and no insurance or public health insurance.
  • The study emphasizes the urgent need for free, accessible HIV testing with linkage to HIV prevention and care to achieve HIV strategy goals.

Statistics:

  • 28 (1.1%) out of 2,549 participants had undiagnosed HIV.
  • 43 participants tested positive for HIV, but 15 of them disclosed that they had been previously diagnosed.
  • Correlates of undiagnosed HIV among transgender women of color:

+ Past 6-month stimulant use: OR=2.5; 95%CI=0.9-6.7

+ No lifetime HIV testing history: OR=3.1; 95%CI=1.2-8.0

+ No insurance: OR=4.5; 95%CI=1.0-20.5

+ Public health insurance: OR=4.4; 95%CI=1.1-17.1

  • 2,549 participants were included in the study.

Sources:

  • Undiagnosed HIV among transgender women in the United States: Implications for testing programs. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2025.
  • Bloomberg School of Public Health. Press Release. October 20, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Reports from Bloomberg School of Public Health Add New Data to Findings in HIV/AIDS (Undiagnosed HIV among transgender women in the United States: Implications for testing programs). AIDS Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 152.

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