Knowledge profile about HIV/AIDS and clinical features of oral mucosal lesion in Persatuan Waria Kota Surabaya (PERWAKOS) community: a qualitative study

Introduction: Transgender is a term used for individuals who have different gender identities at birth with current gender identities. Members of the male-to-female transgender community in Indonesia often refer to themselves as "waria", which stands for wanita (women) and pria (men). Transvestites are 18 times more at risk of HIV infection than the general population. The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in transvestites is in line with the lack of knowledge, lack of understanding of health services and poor support for transvestites with HIV. Material and Methods: This research is an observational descriptive study with cross-sectional design. The research subjects were all members of Persatuan Waria Kota Surabaya (PERWAKOS) in Wonokromo region, Surabaya. This research was attended by 20 respondents. Research subjects were taken blood samples for HIV and STI tests. A pre-test and post-test model is carried out to assess understanding knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The respondents were given a questionnaire containing questions about HIV/AIDS. Researchers provide brief education, information and pictorial leaflet media with counseling and discussion session. After pre-test and post-test, intra-oral examination of oral mucosal was carried out using a dental instrument. Results: The results of HIV and STI tests in 18 study subjects showed that 4 people (22.22%) had reactive results for HIV testing and none of the study subjects had an STI. Assessment of knowledge about HIV/AIDS showed that 12 people (60%) had the same score in the pre-test and post-test. Examination of oral mucosal lesions found that only 1 case required therapy (5%) of 20 respondents namely oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). Conclusion: Preventing and controlling HIV infection in transvestites communities can be done by increasing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and routine checks through HIV testing and oral screening. This supports efforts to control HIV infection in the transvestite’s group who are considered to be at high risk.