Document 0542
 DOCN  M9490542
 TI    The social organization of transvestite prostitution and AIDS.
 DT    9411
 AU    Boles J; Elifson KW; Department of Sociology, Georgia State University,
       Atlanta 30303.
 SO    Soc Sci Med. 1994 Jul;39(1):85-93. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94345427
 AB    This paper reports on the social organization of 53 transvestite
       prostitutes in Atlanta (GA), U.S.A. The central focus of the paper is on
       the relationship between social organization, social networks, and HIV
       risk behaviors in three geographic areas. In one of the areas the HIV
       infection rate was significantly higher than in the other two areas
       (81.1% vs 62.5% and 12.5%). Transvestites from the high prevalence area
       are strongly committed to transvestism and, consequently, are socially
       isolated. They report the lowest income, engaged in passive anal sex,
       have a history of syphilis and report inconsistent condom use with
       paying sex partners. Transvestite prostitutes in the other two areas are
       less committed to transvestism and more integrated into non-transvestite
       networks. In the area with the lowest HIV rate the transvestites are
       integrated into the non-transvestite male prostitute social organization
       so are discouraged from engaging in receptive anal sex, especially
       without condoms. The differences in HIV seroprevalence as well as
       related behavioral differences are linked to social organization among
       the transvestite prostitutes and to their participation in risky sex
       such as receptive anal intercourse.
 DE    Adolescence  Adult  Condoms/UTILIZATION  Georgia/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Health
       Behavior  Health Status  Human  HIV Seropositivity/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  *HIV
       Seroprevalence  Income  *Interpersonal Relations  Male  Motivation
       Prostitution/*PSYCHOLOGY  Risk Factors  Risk-Taking  Sampling Studies
       Social Isolation  Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  Transvestism/*PSYCHOLOGY
       Urban Population  Workplace  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).