Resum

Purpose: The Centro de Orientacion e Investigacion Integral (COIN) provides support services for transgender populations. This family-friendly approach has allowed these people to be within friendly spaces and allow to respond to their health needs, which is why for the last one year comprehensive care service in which other specialties are included in the health services is created to respond to their demands comprehensively including weekly groups to trans women and their families. In the Dominican Republic the HIV epidemic is characterized to be concentrated among men who have sex with men and transgender women. This study aims to develop a methodology for group work with trans women and their families attending COIN aimed at improving abstinence to antiretroviral treatment (ARV). To provide information about issues related to sexual health, sexuality, trans identities, HIV, adherence to ARVs, and to assess the factors affecting family functioning of trans people. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire before and after focal focus groups was applied in which the main variables related to the issue addressed family groups, trans expressions and their relationship with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The diagnosis of the needs of new groups of family, topical issues that require continuous updating and reflection are identified. The theoretical resources provided enable better treatment program sessions and is taxed to advocacy and acceptance of these identities. Results: We noted that internalized homophobia makes many families live in anguish sexual expressions of their children, and consequently the lack of communication. The parents leave the task of parenthood due to embarrassment of being linked to the stereotype of man expected in Latino societies. The biological family at the stage of adolescence and youth no longer has a key role, and the family can be a protective factor in relation to vulnerability to HIV adherence. Conclusion: It should be extended family groups to other groups with the methodology applied in this preliminary study, having an emphasis on respect for the inclusion, and trans identities, assuring adherence and retention of HIV positive people in retention.