Transgenders in Kuantan, Pahang: knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS
Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS may be the risk factors for HIV infection among transgenders. The researches done on knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection in transgender communities are very limited at both local and international levels. This study aimed to assess...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Research Management Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/51742/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/51742/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/51742/1/51742_Transgenders_in_Kuantan%2C_Pahang.pdf |
| Summary: | Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS may be the risk factors for HIV infection among
transgenders. The researches done on knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection in transgender
communities are very limited at both local and international levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge
and attitude on HIV infection among the male-to-female transgender community in Kuantan, Pahang. A crosssectional
study was carried out from July to August in 2014 among 33 male-to-female transgenders in Kuantan,
Pahang. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered a self-administered
questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ
2
-test, and independent sample t test.
Majority of the subjects in this study was 29 years and below (48.5%), Muslims (93.9%), and completed up to
secondary education (60.6%). A higher percentage of them also sold sex (60.6%), and had relatively low income
(from “no income” to RM 3000, mean = RM1528). 87.9% of the subjects demonstrated good knowledge and
also positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Level of education was significantly associated with scores in
knowledge (p=0.01). Despite the positive outcome from this study, misconceptions towards HIV/AIDS still
exist among transgenders. Transgenders must not be rejected from receiving education. Their medical and
spiritual needs must be addressed. Educations and interventions towards HIV/AIDS are desperately needed to
deliver the correct information to this population, so as to emphasize prevention, early detection, and holistic
medical care. Transgenders also require attentions from religious bodies and non-governmental organizations
to provide help in employment, financial, spiritual, and psycho-social issues.
Kekurangan pengetahuan dan sikap negatif terhadap HIV / AIDS boleh menjadi faktor risiko untuk jangkitan
HIV di kalangan golongan transgender. Bilangan kajian yang dilakukan ke atas pengetahuan dan sikap terhadap
jangkitan HIV dalam komuniti transgender adalah sangat terhad di peringkat tempatan dan antarabangsa. Kajian
ini bertujuan untuk menilai pengetahuan dan sikap mengenai jangkitan HIV di kalangan masyarakat transgender
lelaki ke perempuan di Kuantan, Pahang. Satu kajian keratan lintang telah dijalankan dari Julai hingga Ogos
pada tahun 2014 di kalangan 33 transgender lelaki ke perempuan di Kuantan, Pahang. Kemudahan persampelan
telah digunakan. Peserta memberikan persetujuan menjawab soal selidik yang ditadbir sendiri. Data yang
diperolehi dianalisis dengan statistik deskriptif, ujian-χ2, dan ujian sampel t yang tidak bersandar. Subjek yang
majoriti dalam kajian ini adalah 29 tahun dan ke bawah (48.5%), Islam (93.9%), dan sempurna pendidikan
menengah (60.6%). Peratusan tinggi daripada mereka adalah menjual seks (60.6%), dan mempunyai pendapatan
yang rendah (tiada pendapatan kepada RM 3000, min = RM1528). 87.9% daripada subjek menunjukkan
pengetahuan yang baik dan juga sikap yang positif terhadap HIV/AIDS. Tahap pendidikan mempunyai kaitan
yang ketara dengan skor dalam pengetahuan (p = 0.01). Walaupun terdapat hasil yang positif daripada kajian
ini, salah faham terhadap HIV/AIDS masih wujud di kalangan transgender. Transgender tidak boleh menolak
daripada menerima pendidikan. Keperluan perubatan dan
rohani mereka mesti ditangani. Pendidikan dan campur
tangan terhadap HIV/AIDS adalah sangat diperlukan untuk
menyampaikan maklumat yang betul kepada populasi ini,
begitu juga penekanan bagi pencegahan, pengesanan awal
dan rawatan perubatan holistik. Transgender juga memerlukan perhatian daripada badan-badan agama dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan untuk memberikan bantuan
dalam pekerjaan, isu-isu kewangan, rohani, dan psiko-sosial. |
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