Acceptability of a microfinance‐based empowerment intervention for transgender and cisgender women sex workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

摘要: Introduction: Cisgender and transgender woman sex workers (CWSWs TWSWs, respectively) are key populations in Malaysia with higher HIV-prevalence than that of the general population. Given impact economic instability can have on HIV transmission these populations, novel prevention interventions reduce poverty may incidence improve linkage retention to care for those already living HIV. We examine feasibility a microfinance-based intervention among CWSW TWSWs Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: conducted 35 in-depth interviews acceptability intervention, focusing on: (1) participants’ readiness engage other occupations types jobs which they were interested in; (2) their level interest components potential including training financial literacy vocational education; (3) possible barriers facilitators successful completion intervention. Using grounded theory as framework analysis, transcripts analysed through Nvivo 11. Results: Participants average 41 years old, slightly less half (48%) married, more (52%) identified Muslim. express high motivation seek employment professions perceived work not “proper job” opportunities career growth but rather short-term option offering an unstable form income. wanted develop own small enterprise. Most participants expressed microfinance enable them enter new profession. Possible participation included time, stigma, lack resources. Conclusion: Findings indicate is acceptable desirable CWSWs urban Malaysian contexts reported ready alternative forms income generation.