Adaptation of the U.S.-oriented evidence-based intervention TransAction for transgender women in Vietnam

Cathy J Reback; Chunqing Lin; Sherry Larkins; Vu Thi Tuong Vi; Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep; Nguyen Ly Lai; Do Van Dung

doi:10.1080/26895269.2023.2169217

Adaptation of the U.S.-oriented evidence-based intervention TransAction for transgender women in Vietnam

Int J Transgend Health. 2023 Jan 23;25(2):215-232. doi: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2169217. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Cathy J Reback¹, Chunqing Lin², Sherry Larkins³, Vu Thi Tuong Vi⁴, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep⁴, Nguyen Ly Lai⁴, Do Van Dung⁴

Affiliations

¹ Friends Research Institute, Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
² Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
³ Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
⁴ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Abstract

Background: Trans women in Vietnam are among the most vulnerable groups with high HIV risk and limited access to care. TransAction is an evidence-based intervention to reduce trans women's HIV risks and increase social support and access to care.Aims: The aim of this study was to adapt TransAction to the specific needs of trans women in Vietnam. Methods: This study was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City from November 2020 through June 2021 Using the ADAPT-ITT framework, interviews, focus groups, and community advisory board meetings were conducted with trans women, service providers, and community members to better understand Vietnamese contexts of gender transition, HIV risks, and service gaps. Feedback was solicited on TransAction content and format adaptation. Results: Trans women in Vietnam faced unique challenges related to family norms, policy and regulatory constraints, and limited transgender-specific or gender-inclusive services. TransAction was modified to accommodate identified challenges and needs, and intervention components to enhance family support were added. Strategies to cope with stigma and seek support and services were adapted to Vietnamese culture and policies. Discussion: Post-adaptation interviews and focus groups demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability for the adapted intervention, which can potentially be used to reduce Vietnamese trans women's HIV risks and increase their social support.

Keywords: HIV; Transgender; Vietnam; implementation science.

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Global Health Seed Program at the University of California Los Angeles. Drs. Reback and Lin acknowledges additional support from the National Institute of Mental Health (P30 MH58107).