The Experiences of Erotic and Sexual Risk of Transgender Men: Exploratory Research Design
Conditions: Transgender Persons, Sexual Health
Sponsor: National Taiwan University

The Experiences of Erotic and 
Sexual Risk of Transgender 
Men: Exploratory Research 
Design 
 
NCT05187442 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2024-11-03 

1. Research Objective 
This study focuses on transgender men (TM) and uses a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) 
method to recruit participants through surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. In 
addition, transgender women (TW) and non-binary individuals are also recruited for focus 
groups and in-depth interviews. We aim to understand the current state of sexual culture, 
sexual risk, and experiences of abuse among TM in the country to assess future sexual health 
care needs. This will serve as a crucial reference for developing guidelines for TM sexual 
health care and promoting gender-friendly healthcare environments. 
2. Research Methods and Procedures 
(1) Research Design 
This study employs an explanatory design within a mixed methods research approach. Initially, 
a survey will be conducted to collect data on sexual orientation and sexual risk among 
transgender men (TM). Subsequently, purposive sampling will be used to select willing survey 
respondents who meet the criteria for participation in focus groups or semi-structured in-depth 
interviews, providing an in-depth understanding of sexual experiences, sexual risks, and abuse 
among TM in Taiwan. Additionally, transgender women (TW) and non-binary individuals will 
be recruited for focus groups or semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore abuse 
experiences and variations across gender identities. TM participants will be recruited using 
respondent-driven sampling (RDS), inviting willing individuals and encouraging them to 
recommend other potential participants to ensure heterogeneity and diversity in the sample. For 
the qualitative interviews in the second phase, TW and non-binary participants will be recruited 
via snowball and purposive sampling to serve as a comparative reference for the qualitative and 
survey findings among TM. 
(2) Online Survey 
To understand the sexual experiences and sexual risk profile of TM in Taiwan, data will be 
collected through an online survey. This method aims to reduce the pressure of disclosure and 
broaden the geographic reach of recruitment. After quantitative data analysis, a subset of 
respondents will be selected for in-depth interviews in the second phase to collect qualitative 
data. The online survey is expected to take 15-20 minutes to complete. 
• 
Survey Participant Eligibility 
A. Individuals who are or have been transgender men, regardless of whether they have 
undergone gender-affirming surgery. 
B. Must be at least 20 years old. 
C. Must reside in Taiwan. 

• 
Research Tools 
Participants will complete a survey on sexual experiences and sexual risk among 
transgender men. The survey will be conducted via Google Forms, and only fully 
completed forms will be counted as valid samples. The survey consists of five main 
sections: 
A. Demographic Data 
B. Gender-related Information (Questionnaire on Sexual & Gender) 
C. Sexual Experience and Intimate Relationships (Questionnaire on Intimate 
Relationship and Sexual Behavior) 
D. Screening History (Experience with STI/HIV/HPV Testing) 
E. Information on Drug Use 
(3) Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews 
Following the first-year survey analysis, which revealed that nearly 60% of TM participants 
had experienced abuse, the research team selected diverse TM participants based on their 
experiences with abuse. Additional TW and non-binary individuals were recruited for focus 
groups or semi-structured in-depth interviews to compare abuse experiences across gender 
identities. 
• 
Eligibility for Focus Group or In-Depth Interview Participants (TM/TW/Non-
binary groups) 
A. Self-identify as TM, TW, or non-binary. 
B. Must be at least 20 years old. 
C. Hold Republic of China nationality and reside in Taiwan. 
D. Willingness to share personal experiences and interact with other research 
participants. 
E. Proficiency in Chinese and sufficient verbal ability. 
F. Meet the research team’s purposive sampling criteria. 
• 
Focus Group or In-Depth Interview Outline 
Based on survey questions and statistical analysis after the survey is completed, the 
interview guide will be refined. The questions will center on participants' experiences 
with abuse, sexual relationships, and sexual risk, delving into their life stories. 
A. Basic Personal Information: Age, residence, current relationship status, etc. 
B. Questions on Experiences of Abuse, Sexual Relationships, and Sexual Risk. 
3. Data Processing and Analysis 
After all data have been coded and recorded, quantitative data will be processed and analyzed 
using SPSS version 27.0 software. Descriptive statistics, along with Chi-square or Fisher’s 

Exact test analyses, will be applied. Explanations will be developed based on the findings from 
the qualitative data analysis to interpret the current conditions. The qualitative data analysis 
will focus on the content from the in-depth interviews.