Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Transgender Women Initiating HIV Treatment in Argentina

Introduction Transgender women (TGW) experience high prevalence of depression worldwide. Methods This study analyzed the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among 61 HIV + TGW (age: M = 29.87 years, SD = 6.51) from Argentina; through questionnaires assessing psychosocial vulnerability, gender identity stigma (GIS) and violence, mental health, substance use, and protective factors. Results Half of the respondents showed significant depressive symptoms. In the multivariable logistic regression model, unstable housing, GIS from police, anxiety, and lifetime suicide attempts predicted increased odds of depressive symptoms. Conclusion The role of institutional GIS and psychosocial vulnerability in the development of depression should be considered in HIV and mental health care for TGW.