(PL41) SUBSTANCE USE AMONG TRANSGENDER WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV IN GOIÁS, CENTRAL BRAZIL: FINDINGS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:
Substance use constitutes a major public health issue. Studies have demonstrated a heightened prevalence of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis consumption among transgender women (TGW). Additionally, some evidence has indicated an association between substance use and non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to delineate the prevalence and consumption patterns of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine/crack among TGW in Central Brazil.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and November 2019 among TGW in Goiás, Central Brazil. This study was conducted in three cities: Goiânia, Itumbiara, and Jataí. Participants were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method and underwent face-to-face interviews regarding substance use. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test were utilized to evaluate substance use. The positivity for HIV was identified through a rapid test.Prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval.

Results:
A total of 440 transgender women participated in the study, with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range: 20.5–29.5 years). The majority of participants were single (85.5%) and had engaged in sex work during their lifetime (58.6%). Among TGW living with HIV, our findings revealed high prevalences of alcohol use (73.7%), cannabis use (51.6%), and cocaine/crack use (27.2%) over their lifetime. Our results also demonstrated that harmful substance use is prevalent among TGW living with HIV. Additionally, 35% of participants reported using both drugs.

Conclusion:
Our study identified a high frequency and significant overlap in the use of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine/crack among TGW residing in three cities along a drug-trafficking route in Central Brazil. This suggests that drug use is associated with the vulnerabilities experienced by this population. Consequently, multi-level interventions and resources are imperative to enhance treatment availability and access to health services, underscoring the urgent need for health policies addressing drug disorders in this socially marginalized group.