Personal interests and experiences

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 136 views

The Decision of Transvestites to Conduct HIV/AIDS Tests after Counseling in Sexually Transmitted Infection and Voluntary Counseling and Testing Veteran Medan

Introduction

Transvestites and gays are groups that are included in the high-risk category for being infected with sexually transmitted infections (IMS) and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). According to the estimated National AIDS Commission for North Sumatra in 2008, it is estimated that there are around 790 transvestites in the city of Medan, with a number of clients reaching 11,230 people. Unfortunately, data from the IMS and VCT Veteran Medan clinic showed that from February 2008 to June 2009, only 187 out of 455 transvestites visited HIV tests. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence transvestite decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests and understand the background associated with the transvestite decision-making process in conducting the test.

Background

The initial survey conducted by researchers in 2009 at the clinic noted that only 47% of the 100 transvestites visits utilized VCT services. This low rate of HIV testing among transvestites is a concern, as they are a high-risk group for HIV infection. The lack of awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, as well as the stigma associated with HIV testing, may contribute to this low rate of testing. Therefore, it is essential to understand the factors that influence transvestite decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive qualitative method with content analysis techniques. The key informant in this study is transvestites who have undergone counseling and HIV/AIDS tests. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with transvestites who have undergone HIV testing.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Decisions

The results showed that there were several internal factors that affected transvestite decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests. These factors include:

Social Pressure: Transvestites often feel depressed to follow the norms that apply in the community. Support or pressure from friends and social environment can encourage them to do the test.
Gender Characteristics: Individual characteristics and gender identity can influence how they see the importance of HIV tests. Perception of self-health also plays a major role.
The influence of others: friends and closest people have a significant influence. If they see other people who do the test, this can be an encouragement for them to do the same thing.
Culture: local cultural values and norms related to sexual health can influence their decisions. For example, people who are more open to the issue of HIV/AIDS will be more likely to educate and encourage members to do the test.
Personal interests and experiences: personal experience, both positive and negative, become an important factor. Transvestites who have had bad experiences related to sexual health tend to be more proactive in doing tests.

On the other hand, external factors also have an important role, such as services provided by the IMS and VCT veteran clinic. This clinic has become a place that is often accessed by transvestite communities to get health services, so that ease of access becomes one of the factors that influence their decision to do HIV tests.

Recommendation

Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to the Medan City Health Office to establish an IMS and VCT clinic based on transvestite community. This clinic should be established by considering the needs, data, and evidence obtained from the experience of transvestites themselves. In addition, it is important to empower people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to reach and support other transvestites, so as to create a more supportive environment to conduct tests and access the health services needed.

Conclusion

With a better understanding of the factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests, it is expected to increase their awareness and participation in HIV/AIDS prevention programs, and reduce the stigma in the community. The establishment of an IMS and VCT clinic based on transvestite community is a crucial step in increasing access to HIV testing and health services for this high-risk group.

Limitation

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific location, Medan. Therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to other locations or populations. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Research

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other locations and populations to increase the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, future research should explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing HIV testing and health services access for transvestites.

Implication

The findings of this study have several implications for HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs. Firstly, the study highlights the importance of understanding the factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests. Secondly, the study emphasizes the need for establishing IMS and VCT clinics based on transvestite community to increase access to HIV testing and health services. Finally, the study suggests that empowering people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to reach and support other transvestites is crucial in creating a more supportive environment to conduct tests and access the health services needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transvestites and HIV/AIDS Testing

Q: What is the risk of HIV infection among transvestites?

A: Transvestites are a high-risk group for HIV infection due to their involvement in sex work and other high-risk behaviors. According to the estimated National AIDS Commission for North Sumatra in 2008, there are around 790 transvestites in the city of Medan, with a number of clients reaching 11,230 people.

Q: Why do transvestites have a low rate of HIV testing?

A: The low rate of HIV testing among transvestites is due to several factors, including lack of awareness and education about HIV/AIDS, stigma associated with HIV testing, and limited access to health services.

Q: What are the factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests?

A: The factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests include social pressure, gender characteristics, the influence of others, culture, and personal interests and experiences.

Q: What is the role of external factors in influencing transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests?

A: External factors, such as services provided by the IMS and VCT veteran clinic, also have an important role in influencing transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests. Ease of access to health services is a crucial factor in increasing HIV testing among transvestites.

Q: What is the recommendation for increasing HIV testing and health services access for transvestites?

A: The recommendation is to establish an IMS and VCT clinic based on transvestite community, considering the needs, data, and evidence obtained from the experience of transvestites themselves. Additionally, empowering people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to reach and support other transvestites is crucial in creating a more supportive environment to conduct tests and access the health services needed.

Q: What are the implications of this study for HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs, including the importance of understanding the factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests, establishing IMS and VCT clinics based on transvestite community, and empowering people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to reach and support other transvestites.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a specific location, Medan. Therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to other locations or populations. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to replicate this study in other locations and populations to increase the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, future research should explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing HIV testing and health services access for transvestites.

Q: What are the key takeaways from this study?

A: The key takeaways from this study are the importance of understanding the factors that influence transvestites' decisions to conduct HIV/AIDS tests, the need for establishing IMS and VCT clinics based on transvestite community, and the importance of empowering people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to reach and support other transvestites.