Engaging transgender women in HIV research in South Africa

Abstract

The Botshelo Ba Trans study was the first HIV bio-behavioural survey conducted amongst transgender women in South Africa. Engaging research with marginalised communities requires clear points of entry, reference points for understanding the internal culture, and the establishment of trust and understanding. The community-based participatory research approach guided the development and implementation of this study. At the start, a Steering Committee, comprising primarily of transgender women was established and subsequently provided substantial input into the mixed methods study conducted in Buffalo City, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Key to the success of the study was building trust and establishing ownership of the study by transgender women who were recognized as expert knowledge holders. Thus, a community-based participatory research-informed approach enhanced the validity of the data and ensured that relevant issues were addressed.