LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-12-12DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2024.0221
Theo G M Sandfort, Karen Dominguez, Yamikani Chimwaza, Calvin Mbeda, Jonathan Lucas, Erica I Hamilton
{"title":"The Reliability of Assessing Gender Minority Status Based on Gender Identity and Sex Assigned at Birth in the African Context: Findings from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 075 Study.","authors":"Theo G M Sandfort, Karen Dominguez, Yamikani Chimwaza, Calvin Mbeda, Jonathan Lucas, Erica I Hamilton","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2024.0221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2024.0221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> This study evaluated the reliability of assessing transgender status in African populations using questions about current gender identification and sex assigned at birth. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data were obtained from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 075, a study designed to assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining 400 men who have sex with men (MSM) in a 1-year prospective cohort study in Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa and conducted from 2015 to 2017. We compared responses of 401 participants to questions about gender identity obtained at the screening and enrollment visits and, for a subset of participants, in open interviews 6-9 months after enrollment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred and eleven of the 401 persons reported to identify as female or transgender at either the screening visit and/or the enrollment visit. Of those 111 persons, 42 (37.8%) switched between the two assessment moments from male to female or transgender, or vice versa. Furthermore, most transgender women were sexually attracted to men and identified as gay. In the follow-up interview with a subset of participants, almost all persons categorized as transgender identified as MSM. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Categorizing persons as transgender based on self-identified gender and sex assigned at birth has limited reliability in African populations. Possible explanations for the observed inconsistencies in the responses to gender-related questions are discussed. For future studies, an understanding is needed of what specific words and labels such as gender, female, or transgender mean to study participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-12-10DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2024.0067
Noah Zazanis, Seth J Prins
{"title":"Chronic Joint Pain Disparities for U.S. Transgender Adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2020.","authors":"Noah Zazanis, Seth J Prins","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2024.0067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2024.0067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Several studies have found that sexual minority individuals are at greater risk for chronic pain. However, these studies did not ask about gender identity, and research on chronic pain in transgender populations remains scarce. This present study examined the relationship between transgender status and chronic joint pain disorders among U.S. adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data were obtained from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We compared odds of chronic joint pain disorders by transgender status (<i>n</i> transgender = 967, cisgender = 217,943, don't know/not sure = 648, refused = 2072) using logistic regression adjusting for age. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After adjusting for age, transgender respondents reported greater odds of chronic joint pain disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.48), compared with cisgender respondents. Odds for chronic joint pain disorders were lower for the \"refused\" group (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76-0.93) and for those who answered \"don't know/not sure\" (AOR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.61-0.88). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Consistent with preliminary evidence and with the minority stress model, transgender respondents were at increased odds of chronic joint pain disorders when adjusting for age.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142801338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-08DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2024.0151
Ayelet Shapira-Daniels, Dana S King, Sari L Reisner, Lauren B Beach, Oseiwe Benjamin Eromosele, Sandhiya Ravichandran, Robert H Helm, Emelia J Benjamin, Carl G Streed
{"title":"Prevalence of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Transgender and Nonbinary Adult Community Health Center Patients.","authors":"Ayelet Shapira-Daniels, Dana S King, Sari L Reisner, Lauren B Beach, Oseiwe Benjamin Eromosele, Sandhiya Ravichandran, Robert H Helm, Emelia J Benjamin, Carl G Streed","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2024.0151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2024.0151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Sex differences in cardiac arrhythmias are well established. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of arrhythmias in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This cross-sectional study utilized electronic medical records from a center specializing in TGNB care. Adults aged <i>≥</i>18 years with <i>≥</i>2 medical visits between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021, were categorized into self-reported gender groups: TGNB (transgender men, transgender women, nonbinary [NB]-assigned male at birth, NB-assigned female at birth), cisgender men, and cisgender women. The primary outcome was any arrhythmia using age- and race-adjusted regression models comparing transgender patients with cisgender men and cisgender women. Prevalence of arrhythmias was explored in transgender people with a gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) prescription. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The sample included 49,862 adults, with 7121 (14%) TGNB persons. Median age was 28 years. Prevalence of arrhythmias was low (0.7-1.4% NB persons, 1.4-1.5% transgender persons). After adjustment, transgender women and transgender men had similar odds of any arrhythmia compared with cisgender men (transgender women: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-1.24, <i>p</i> = 0.52; transgender men: aOR 1.17, 95% CI 0.82-1.62, <i>p</i> = 0.37), but higher odds of any arrhythmia compared with cisgender women (transgender women: aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.13-2.34, <i>p</i> = 0.01; transgender men: aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.48-3.04, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Prevalence of arrhythmias appeared similar among transgender adults regardless of GAHT use (transgender men: 1.5% vs 1.9%, transgender women: 1.2% vs 2.1%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Further research examining arrhythmias in TGNB patients and across gender minority subgroups is warranted, including longitudinal studies evaluating the potential impact of GAHT.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142605011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-06DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0477
Alena Kuhlemeier, Daniel G Shattuck, Cathleen E Willging, Mary M Ramos
{"title":"Comparing Behavioral Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Questioning, and Heterosexual Middle School Students.","authors":"Alena Kuhlemeier, Daniel G Shattuck, Cathleen E Willging, Mary M Ramos","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0477","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2023.0477","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) high schoolers experience high prevalence of poor behavioral health, but little is known about LGBQ middle schoolers. We sought to quantify behavioral health disparities of LGBQ middle school students. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Using 2021 New Mexico Middle School Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey data (<i>N</i> = 12,400), we estimated the size of the LGBQ middle school population and calculated adjusted risk ratios to investigate behavioral health disparities between LGBQ and heterosexual youth. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A quarter of the sample identified as LGBQ. These youth reported significantly more suicidal behaviors and poorer mental health than heterosexual youth. LGBQ youth were more likely to use most substances compared with heterosexual youth. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> LGBQ middle school students demonstrated high prevalence of poor behavioral health. These findings show that disparities begin earlier than previously assumed and underscore that sociocultural landscapes for sexually diverse youth remain challenging.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142582797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-06-07DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0341
Andrew A Marano, Amitai S Miller, Wendy Castillo, Sari L Reisner, Loren S Schechter, Devin Coon
{"title":"Social and Systemic Barriers to Transition-Related Surgical Procedures for Transgender Americans.","authors":"Andrew A Marano, Amitai S Miller, Wendy Castillo, Sari L Reisner, Loren S Schechter, Devin Coon","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0341","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals in the United States face disproportionate barriers to health care access. This study compared characteristics of individuals who have and have not undergone gender-affirming surgery with the goal of identifying social and systemic barriers to transition-related surgery. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data were extracted from the 2015 United States Transgender Survey, a cross-sectional nonprobability sample of nearly 28,000 TGD adults. The primary outcome was having undergone gender-affirming surgery. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine correlates of receipt of gender-affirming surgery. A subgroup analysis was performed to explore differences by insurance types regarding coverage of surgical procedures and presence of in-network providers. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, 6009 (21.7%) participants underwent transition-related procedures. Increased odds of undergoing surgery were associated with older age, living in congruent gender, higher education attainment, and greater income. Decreased odds were linked with male sex assignment at birth, first recognizing TGD status at older ages, living in states without trans-protective health laws, no close transgender-knowledgeable health care provider, nonbinary status, and identifying as sexual minority. Residing in states without trans-protective health laws correlated with increased surgery denials over the previous 12-month period. Compared to White TGD individuals, TGD individuals who were Black, Latinx, or Another Race were significantly more likely to encounter health equity-related barriers to surgery. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Gender-affirming surgery access is differentially distributed across demographic and modifiable equity-related factors amenable to interventions. Efforts are needed to address the number and geographic distribution of transgender health-competent providers, improve TGD legal protections, and increase access to health insurance for minority TGD individuals, who are disproportionately under/uninsured.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"615-624"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141288228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0323
Mirandy Li, Kelly Chau, Kaitlyn Calabresi, Yuzhi Wang, Jack Wang, Jackson Fritz, Tung Sung Tseng
{"title":"The Effect of Minority Stress Processes on Smoking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Individuals: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Mirandy Li, Kelly Chau, Kaitlyn Calabresi, Yuzhi Wang, Jack Wang, Jackson Fritz, Tung Sung Tseng","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2022.0323","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2022.0323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are more likely to smoke than non-LGBTQ individuals. Smoking has been posited as a coping mechanism for LGBTQ individuals facing minority stress. However, the exact relationship between minority stress and smoking behaviors among LGBTQ individuals is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine how minority stress processes are associated with smoking behaviors for LGBTQ individuals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Searches of the PubMed and PsycINFO databases were conducted for smoking-, LGBTQ-, and minority stress-related terms. No date, geographic, or language limits were used. For inclusion, the study must have (1) been written in English, (2) had an LGBTQ group as the study population or a component of the study population, (3) assessed the cigarette smoking status of participants, and (4) assessed at least one minority stress-related process (internalized stigma, perceived stigma, or prejudice events). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The final review included 44 articles. Aside from two outlier studies, all of the reviewed studies exhibited that increased levels of minority stress processes (internalized queerphobia, perceived stigma, and prejudice events) were associated with increased probability of cigarette use in LGBTQ individuals. Increased minority stress was also associated with greater psychological distress/mental health decline. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The findings of this review suggest that minority stress processes represent a contributing factor to smoking health disparities in LGBTQ populations. These results highlight the need for smoking cessation and prevention programs to address minority stress and improve smoking disparities in these populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"583-605"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140336190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-05-02DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0256
Blake S Cavve, Xander Bickendorf, Jack Ball, Liz A Saunders, Larissa Marion, Cati S Thomas, Penelope Strauss, Georgia Chaplyn, Aaron Wiggins, Uma Ganti, Aris Siafarikas, Ashleigh Lin, Julia K Moore
{"title":"Retrospective Examination of Peripubertal Return for Patients of Western Australia's Gender Diversity Service.","authors":"Blake S Cavve, Xander Bickendorf, Jack Ball, Liz A Saunders, Larissa Marion, Cati S Thomas, Penelope Strauss, Georgia Chaplyn, Aaron Wiggins, Uma Ganti, Aris Siafarikas, Ashleigh Lin, Julia K Moore","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0256","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> Children far in advance of pubertal development may be deferred from further assessment for gender-affirming medical treatment until nearer puberty. It is vital that returning peripubertal patients are seen promptly to ensure time-sensitive assessment and provision of puberty suppression treatment where appropriate. This study investigates (1) how many referrals to the Child and Adolescent Health Service Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children's Hospital are deferred due to prepubertal status; and (2) how many deferred patients return peripubertally. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective review of all closed referrals to the service was conducted to determine the frequency of prepubertal deferral and peripubertal re-referral. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 995 referrals received (2014 to 2020), 552 were closed. The reason for closure was determined for 548 referrals (99.3%). Prepubertal status was the second-most frequent reason for closure, and the most frequent for birth-registered males. Twenty-five percent of all deferred prepubertal patients returned peripubertally, before audit closure. A greater return frequency (55.6%) was estimated for those older than 13 years at audit closure. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> High rates of prepubertal referral indicate the importance of pediatric gender services in providing information, advice, and reassurance to concerned families. With increasing service demand, high rates of return peripubertally have implications for service planning to ensure that returning peripubertal patients are seen promptly for time-sensitive care. Frequency of peripubertal re-referral cannot, however, speak to the stability of trans identity or gender incongruence from childhood to adolescence. Clinics advising prepubertal deferral must proactively plan to ensure that sufficient clinical resources are reserved for this purpose.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"606-614"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140850309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-07-05DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0469
Thomas W Gaither, Tara Shahrvini, Nathan W Vincent, Marcia Russell, Mark S Litwin
{"title":"Receptive Anal Intercourse: Impact on Colorectal and Urologic Diagnoses.","authors":"Thomas W Gaither, Tara Shahrvini, Nathan W Vincent, Marcia Russell, Mark S Litwin","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0469","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0469","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We evaluated the relationship between lifetime receptive anal intercourse (RAI) and the risk of common colorectal and urologic diagnoses. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted an internet-based survey on sensations during RAI between July 2022 and March 2023. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the independent impact of lifetime RAI exposure on the diagnosis of common urologic and colorectal conditions. Participants completed a main survey and were invited to complete randomly assigned patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which measured pelvic symptoms, mental health symptoms, and sexual satisfaction. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, 1100 participants completed the main survey and 416 completed the PROMs. Participants of the main survey ranged from 18 to 78 years old and the median age of the sample was 32 years. There was no significant association between lifetime RAI exposure and any medical diagnosis, except for anal fissures, which increased linearly with additional RAI exposure. Both sexual satisfaction and mental health symptoms improved with RAI exposure. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> RAI was not associated with most of the colorectal and urologic diagnoses tested and was associated with fewer mental symptoms and increased sexual satisfaction. Development of anal fissures may be directly related to trauma of the anal canal from penetration.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"633-638"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141538063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-05-27DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0253
Manuel A Ocasio, Ahnalee M Brincks, M Isabel Fernandez
{"title":"Examining the Performance of the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth and Sexual Minority Emerging Adults: A Methodological Study.","authors":"Manuel A Ocasio, Ahnalee M Brincks, M Isabel Fernandez","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0253","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We examined the psychometric properties and criterion validity of the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory (SMASI) among 730 sexual minority (SM) and transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth aged 14 to 24 years who participated in a human immunodeficiency virus study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We tested the factor structure of the global scale and subscales and measurement invariance across age, gender identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual identity, ethnoracial identity, and city. For criterion validity, we regressed mental health and substance use measures on the global scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The global scale had excellent fit (comparative fit index = 0.95) and high reliability (omega = 0.89). Subscale model fit was adequate. We confirmed invariance by gender identity and age and established criterion validity. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The SMASI exhibits strong psychometric properties among SM emerging adults and TGD youth. Modifications could enhance the SMASI to better capture both sexual and gender minority stress among ethnoracial minority youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"639-644"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141155239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
LGBT healthPub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-05-09DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0419
Christina M Roberts, Wendy Funk, Veronika Pav, Kevin W Sunderland, Jennifer A Thornton, David A Klein
{"title":"Health Care Utilization During the First 5½ Years of Authorized Service by Transgender U.S. Service Members (2016-2021).","authors":"Christina M Roberts, Wendy Funk, Veronika Pav, Kevin W Sunderland, Jennifer A Thornton, David A Klein","doi":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0419","DOIUrl":"10.1089/lgbt.2023.0419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> This study examined the utilization of gender-affirming health care by active-duty service members during the initial 5½ years that transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals were authorized to serve in the U.S. military. The aim of this study was to inform policy discussions regarding inclusion of TGD individuals in the military. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative health care data from the Military Data Repository (MDR). We assessed the association of demographic factors with the utilization of gender-affirming medical and surgical care. We calculated the incidence rate of initial TGD-related encounters and new prescriptions for gender-affirming hormones among Defense Department Service members between July 2016 and December 2021. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We identified 2481 service members with an initial health care encounter with an associated TGD-related diagnosis. More than half (53%) of these service members started gender-affirming hormones, and 14% underwent gender-affirming surgery. Mastectomies and hysterectomies accounted for more than 70% of surgeries. Service members made 3.22 initial encounters with a TGD-related diagnosis per 10,000 service members per year, with an overrepresentation of service members who were designated female in the MDR (8.62), junior enlisted (4.98), and young (4.64). Individuals designated female in the MDR comprised 17% of all service members but accounted for 46% of initial encounters, 51% of new prescriptions, and 73% of surgeries. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The study revealed a higher-than-expected number of service members seeking gender-affirming care, particularly among service members designated female in the MDR. Military Health System clinicians provided most of this care, which may mitigate the cost of delivering this essential medical care.</p>","PeriodicalId":18062,"journal":{"name":"LGBT health","volume":" ","pages":"625-632"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140898017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}