HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for transgender and nonbinary persons. Literature review and guidelines for professionals

Transgender and nonbinary (TG/NB) persons are listed as one of the key populations in the context of HIV, due to increased risk of HIV infection in this group. HIV prevention, which includes a variety of available methods, should therefore be included in the comprehensive health care for TG/NB persons. One such method is the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), whose high effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission has already been demonstrated in numerous studies conducted in the cisgender population. However, the available empirical data on its use in TG/NB persons are limited in many respects. This issue is also practically absent in the Polish literature; as a consequence, there are significant gaps in recommendations for professionals involved in the prevention of HIV among TG/NB persons and professionals involved in the comprehensive health care for TG/NB persons. This article 1) outlines the issue of the use of PrEP among TG/NB persons, including the associated challenges for professionals (specialising in physical, as well as mental health); 2) demonstrates the possible applicability of PrEP in TG/NB populations based on available research findings; 3) summarises good practices in counselling and PrEP-related psychoeducational activities, as part of the comprehensive health care for TG/NB individuals.