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Introduction: Transsexuals face discriminations and rejections from the Malaysian society. The number of studies done on understanding the phenomenology, experiences, and problems faced by transsexuals is still few in Malaysia. This research aims to document their psycho-social and spiritual backgrounds and the relevant experiences, and to explore their perceptions and needs as male-to-female transsexuals in the context of Persatuan Insaf Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research was carried out in July and August 2015 among eight male-to-female transsexual adults in Kuantan, Pahang. Snowball sampling was used. Participants who gave consent were interviewed in two focus groups. Data obtained was transcribed and used as the primary data source. Results: Subjects in this study reported confusions over their gender identity since childhood. They struggled against conflicts regarding their transsexuality in adolescence, and eventually many quit their studies. As adults, they were discriminated against in employment and religious settings. They provided positive feedbacks on religious authorities who could understand problems unique to transsexuals and empathise with the transsexual community. Conclusion: The psycho-sexual phenomenology is the same in transsexuals all over the world. Misunderstanding and discrimination from the society remain heavy towards this community. Transsexuals should learn to adapt to meeting expectations from the society as well, so they could be accepted in public. They will need religious guidance and spiritual support for better quality of life. Dedicated efforts are still needed in training professionals in the educational, medical, and religious fields to attend to the specific needs of transsexuals in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS may be the risk factors for HIV infection among transsexuals. Research on knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection in transsexual communities is very limited at both local and international levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection among the male-to-female transsexual community in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August 2014 among 33 male-to-female transsexuals in Kuantan, Pahang. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered a self-administered questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Χ²-test, and independent sample t test. Results: The majority of the subjects in this study were 29 years and below (48.5%), Muslims (93.9%), and had completed up to secondary education (60.6%). Most of them were sex workers (60.6%), and had relatively low income (no income to RM 3000, mean of RM1528). A total of 87.9% of the subjects demonstrated good knowledge and also positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Level of education was significantly associated with scores in knowledge (p=0.01). Conclusions: Despite the positive outcome from this study, misconceptions towards HIV/AIDS still exist among transsexuals. Education and interventions from multiple directions on HIV/AIDS are essential to deliver the correct information to this population, so as to emphasize prevention, early detection, and holistic medical care. Transsexuals also require attention from religious bodies and non-governmental organizations to help them in employment, financial, spiritual, and psycho-social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to show the relationship of male transsexuals with their family structure as well as the level of depression, anxiety and stress. This paper will highlight that there are strong influence of their family relationships with their psychosocial problems. The general objective for this study is to determine the family values and psychological factors among transsexual community in Kuantan, Pahang. The specific objectives include describing their socio-demographic status, measuring the prevalence of their psychological factors in term of depression, anxiety and stress as well as to measure the family values of transsexuals in terms of total family value, togetherness and harmony, expression, relationships and family dynamic, conflict and centric and lastly religiosity and traditional practice. This study will also describe the association between family values and the psychological factors. The study employs three interview-filled forms, which are socio-demographic form, Asian Family Characteristics Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Among 40 respondents, 14 of them were depressed (35%), 18 were anxious (45%) and 14 were stressed (35%). For family relationship, 20 of them are having poor total family value (50%). On further analysis, result shows that those who are having poor total family value are 4 times more likely to develop depression and 7 times more likely to develop stress compare to those who are having normal total family value. In conclusion, this study reveals that family values have a significant effect on psychological aspects of the transsexuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]