Sampling bias in transgender studies

Abstract

Thus, urban and clinic samples might not represent the sex lives of transgender women in less urban areas, of higher economic positions, or those who are not primarily sexually attracted to men. Although high HIV prevalences can serve as an advocacy instrument in drawing attention to the health of transgender women, labelling a group that experiences stereotypes of hypersexuality as a high risk group for HIV has the potential to add to stigma. We support Baral and colleagues’ arguments for greater inclusion of transgender women in HIV surveillance, research, and interventions, and for structural changes to increase social inclusion. However, we caution that the consistency that they observe might be, at least in part, a function of consistent sampling bias.