Evaluation of Awareness and Preventive Measures among Transgender Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Akash John, Tallat Anwar Faridi

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious disorders spread through  nsafe sexual contact among sex workers and transgender community. The present study was conducted to evaluate awareness and preventive measures among male transgender in transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey study that conducted in Lahore, Pakistan. After informed consent the data was collected using the snowball sampling technique for 6 months. 41 transgender including all types of age ranging 18-45 years were included as per convenience. A self-administered survey-based questionnaire was developed using WHO and CDC guidelines. Data were analyzed with the help of the (SPSS) version 22 for the descriptive statistics. The mean age was 29.8 ± 7.09 with the highest age of 45 and lowest 18. Regarding education majority of the transgender were dropped out at Middle 18(43.9%) and 9(22%) were illiterate. The highest frequency among professionals were of dancers 17(41.5%) and sex workers 11(26.8%). A Majority 28(68.3%) has unsafe sexual contact with one or more partners. Some have experienced discharge from urethra 14(20.3%), pain during urination 18(26.1%), ulcers or sores in genital areas 6(8.7%) altogether which can be a symptom of STD. About 24(58%) transgender practices self-medication without the prescription of a medical physician. It was concluded that transgender have a poor understanding of STDs due to low education and sex selling as a profession. They engage in risky sexual behaviour and were found unaware of proper treatment resources.