Similar Sexual Behaviour yet Different Outcomes: Comparing Trans and Gender Diverse and Cis PrEP Users in Germany Based on the Outcomes of the PrApp Study

Abstract

Little knowledge about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in trans and gender diverse (TGD) communities in Germany exists. The PrApp Study collected data on PrEP use and sexual behaviour among PrEP users in Germany. Descriptive methods and logistic regression were used to describe PrEP use among TGD and cis persons. A total of 4350 PrEP users in Germany were included, with 65 (1.5%) identified as TGD. Compared to cis participants, TGD participants were younger (median age 29 vs. 37 years) and more likely to have a lower income (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.4–8.2) and be born outside Germany (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3–4.5). On-demand PrEP use was higher in TGD participants (aOR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.0–3.5) and numerically more TGD obtained PrEP from informal sources (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 0.9–3.5). Testing behaviour, condom use, and number of sexual partners were comparable between both groups. Socioeconomic disparities may constitute structural barriers for TGD people to access PrEP, leading to more informal and on-demand use. PrEP providers need to reduce access barriers for TGD PrEP users and provide information on safe PrEP use for this population.

Keywords

• trans and gender diverse people
• pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
• HIV prevention