Experiences of trans patients in primary care settings: findings from The OutLook Study
Alannah D. Mulholland
A B * , Todd A. Coleman A , Simon Coulombe C , Charlie Davis C , Ruth Cameron C D , Robb Travers A , Ciann Wilson C and Michael R. Woodford E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
B Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
C Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
D AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area, ON, Canada.
E Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Sexual Health 19(2) 132-140 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH21188
Submitted: 12 October 2021 Accepted: 1 April 2022 Published: 26 April 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Background: Relationships between primary care providers (PCP) and trans patients remain important, necessitating discussions about gender identity, health and their intersections.
Methods: Using an online survey, we explored socio-demographic and psycho-social factors associated with: (1) disclosing gender identity; (2) discussing gender identity-related health issues; and (3) comfort sharing gender identity with PCPs, among trans people (n = 112) over 16 years of age, sampled in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Bivariate and multivariate methods using modified Poisson regression generated effect estimates.
Results: Age, birth presumed gender, employment status, family support, and transphobia were significantly associated with disclosing gender identity, discussing gender identity-related health issues, and comfortability sharing gender identity with PCPs.
Conclusion: Increasing PCPs’ knowledge of trans-related health issues is stressed to improve access and quality for trans patients.
Keywords: community-based research, gender identity, healthcare access, medical education, minority stress, primary care, trans health, transphobia.
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