Sanjana Pampati1, Jack Andrzejewski2, Riley J Steiner3, Catherine N Rasberry4, Susan H Adkins4, Catherine A Lesesne5, Lorin Boyce5, Rose Grace Grose6, Michelle M Johns4. 1. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), TN, United States of America. Electronic address: mix2@cdc.gov. 2. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), TN, United States of America. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, GA, United States of America. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, GA, United States of America. 5. ICF, GA, United States of America. 6. Department of Community Health Education, Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Northern Colorado, CO, United States of America.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Transgender populations experience health inequities that underscore the importance of ensuring access to high quality care. We thematically summarize the health care experiences of transgender youth living in the southeast United States to identify potential barriers and facilitators to health care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Transgender youth recruited from community settings in an urban area of the southeast United States participated in individual interviews (n = 33) and focus groups (n = 9) about protective factors. We conducted a thematic analysis of data from 42 participants who described their experiences seeking and receiving health care. RESULTS: Participants reported a wide range of gender identities. The individual interview sample was majority Black (54.5%) and the mean age was 21.7 years and focus group participants were all white and the mean age was 16.8 years. Participants described numerous barriers to health care, including limited availability of gender affirming care, logistical challenges, such as gatekeeping and cost, concerns about confidentiality in relation to sexual behavior and gender identity, and inadequate cultural competency among providers regarding gender-affirming care. Facilitators included intake procedures collecting chosen pronouns and names and consistent use of them by providers, and open communication, including active listening. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for a multi-component approach to ensure both transgender- and youth-friendly care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providers and office staff may benefit from transgender cultural competency trainings. In addition, clinic protocols relating to confidentiality and chosen name and pronoun use may help facilitate access to and receipt of quality care.
PURPOSE: Transgender populations experience health inequities that underscore the importance of ensuring access to high quality care. We thematically summarize the health care experiences of transgender youth living in the southeast United States to identify potential barriers and facilitators to health care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Transgender youth recruited from community settings in an urban area of the southeast United States participated in individual interviews (n = 33) and focus groups (n = 9) about protective factors. We conducted a thematic analysis of data from 42 participants who described their experiences seeking and receiving health care. RESULTS: Participants reported a wide range of gender identities. The individual interview sample was majority Black (54.5%) and the mean age was 21.7 years and focus group participants were all white and the mean age was 16.8 years. Participants described numerous barriers to health care, including limited availability of gender affirming care, logistical challenges, such as gatekeeping and cost, concerns about confidentiality in relation to sexual behavior and gender identity, and inadequate cultural competency among providers regarding gender-affirming care. Facilitators included intake procedures collecting chosen pronouns and names and consistent use of them by providers, and open communication, including active listening. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for a multi-component approach to ensure both transgender- and youth-friendly care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providers and office staff may benefit from transgender cultural competency trainings. In addition, clinic protocols relating to confidentiality and chosen name and pronoun use may help facilitate access to and receipt of quality care.
Authors: Carly E Guss; G Alice Woolverton; Joshua Borus; S Bryn Austin; Sari L Reisner; Sabra L Katz-Wise Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2019-06-18 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Anne-Emmanuelle Ambresin; Kristina Bennett; George C Patton; Lena A Sanci; Susan M Sawyer Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Terryann C Clark; Mathijs F G Lucassen; Pat Bullen; Simon J Denny; Theresa M Fleming; Elizabeth M Robinson; Fiona V Rossen Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2014-01-14 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Jaclyn M White Hughto; Gabriel R Murchison; Kirsty Clark; John E Pachankis; Sari L Reisner Journal: LGBT Health Date: 2016-09-16 Impact factor: 4.151
Authors: Tamar Goldenberg; Laura Jadwin-Cakmak; Elliot Popoff; Sari L Reisner; Bré A Campbell; Gary W Harper Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2019-07-11 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: Anna W Brittain; Jessica R Williams; Lauren B Zapata; Karen Pazol; Lisa M Romero; Tasmeen S Weik Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2015-08 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Samantha Busa; Jeremy Wernick; John Kellerman; Elizabeth Glaeser; Kyle McGregor; Julius Wu; Aron Janssen Journal: Behav Ther (N Y N Y) Date: 2022-04