This study examined the correlations between self-reported HIV infection and various factors such as general health insurance coverage, insurance coverage of hormone therapy, and provider-directed hormone therapy among transgender women in Los Angeles. The study used 2009 secondary data collected during a CDC-sponsored behavioral surveillance pilot project designed to test sampling ability and survey content.

A total of 103 Latina and African American trans gender women were included in the survey based on their higher rates of HIV prevalence. Trans gender men and transgender women of other ethnic and racial backgrounds were excluded. Descriptive statistics were presented and analyzed on variables of interest.

The results demonstrated that neither health insurance coverage nor insurance coverage of hormone therapy was associated with lower prevalence of self-reported HIV infection in valid respondents. Hormone therapy administered by a medical provider was associated with higher prevalence of self-reported HIV infection. Study implications and recommendations were discussed.