IADR Abstract Archives
Prioritizing oral health in Malaysian Transgender Women: mhealth educational intervention
Objectives: Transgender women in Malaysia are vulnerable and marginalized. They experience unique social and interpersonal challenges that contribute to relatively unmet health care needs thereby increasing their risk of acquiring HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A qualitative study using in-depth interviews (n=20) and focus group discussion was undertaken to explore the barriers and enablers of oral health care utilization as well as safer sexual practices relating to oral transmission of STIs among Transgender women with the aim of developing an mHealth educational intervention.
Methods: The constructs of the Information, Motivation and Behavioural skills (IMB) theory was used as a framework to guide the thematic analysis which highlighted key areas of concern: ‘Access to care’, ‘Role of support network’, ‘HIV/STI awareness’, ‘Perception of low risk’, ‘Attitudes and beliefs’ and ‘Socio-economic status’. Involvement and cooperation of local TGW community workers, activists and artists played a crucial role in the design and development of an educational intervention module aimed at raising awareness. The widely used ADDIE (analyse, devise, develop, implement, evaluate) model of instructional design was used for the development of the module.
Results: Gaps were identified in awareness of oral transmission of STIs along with a general lack of condom use during oral sex. As a result; a unique, customized, culturally sensitive and peer reviewed mhealth educational intervention module was developed for delivery through a widely popular social media platform. The collaborative efforts helped to create content in the form of posts, stories and reels centred on the health and needs of transgender women.
Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration with key partners within the local community to create a unique tool for the community by the community. Role of social support in positively influencing health promotion and health care utilization is also highlighted.
Methods: The constructs of the Information, Motivation and Behavioural skills (IMB) theory was used as a framework to guide the thematic analysis which highlighted key areas of concern: ‘Access to care’, ‘Role of support network’, ‘HIV/STI awareness’, ‘Perception of low risk’, ‘Attitudes and beliefs’ and ‘Socio-economic status’. Involvement and cooperation of local TGW community workers, activists and artists played a crucial role in the design and development of an educational intervention module aimed at raising awareness. The widely used ADDIE (analyse, devise, develop, implement, evaluate) model of instructional design was used for the development of the module.
Results: Gaps were identified in awareness of oral transmission of STIs along with a general lack of condom use during oral sex. As a result; a unique, customized, culturally sensitive and peer reviewed mhealth educational intervention module was developed for delivery through a widely popular social media platform. The collaborative efforts helped to create content in the form of posts, stories and reels centred on the health and needs of transgender women.
Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration with key partners within the local community to create a unique tool for the community by the community. Role of social support in positively influencing health promotion and health care utilization is also highlighted.
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