Less than half of transgender people feel supported by family doctor

 

• A new study that took place in New Zealand has shown that, for transgender individuals, negative experiences with healthcare professionals are associated with an increased risk of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts.
• In contrast, positive or supportive experiences with primary care physicians (PCPs) reduced the risk of these negative mental health outcomes.
• This study highlights the importance of improving the awareness and education of PCPs about transgender healthcare.

Studies have consistently shown that transgender individuals have a higher risk of mental health issues than cisgender individuals.

A new study found that transgender individuals who reported supportive experiences with their PCP were less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression or have suicidal thoughts.

However, only about half of the surveyed individuals reported a positive experience with their PCP, highlighting the importance of training healthcare professionals to improve the care of transgender individuals.

The study appears in the journal Family Practice.

Interactions with healthcare professionals

Negative interactions with healthcare professionals are prevalent among transgender individuals. A lack of awareness and educationTrusted Source among medical staff about the healthcare needs of transgender individuals are some of the reasons for these negative healthcare experiences.

However, even small steps indicative of respect toward transgender individuals, such as the use of correct gender pronouns and current names, can contribute to a positive healthcare experience.

Previous studies have shown that the frequent negative healthcare experiences of transgender individuals are associated with a higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.

However, the current study is the first to assess the effects of positive or supportive healthcare experiences on mental health outcomes in transgender individuals in New Zealand.

Counting Ourselves survey 

The researchers used data from the 2018 Counting Ourselves survey, which collects information on the health of transgender individuals aged 14 years or older residing in New Zealand.

The study included 948 transgender individuals who provided feedback on their negative and positive healthcare experiences and mental health.

The scientists used a standardized questionnaire to assess psychological distress levels on the basis of the anxiety and depressive symptoms that the individuals had experienced in the previous 4 weeks.

The researchers also determined the number of self-harm attempts and the frequency of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the previous 12 months.

Source: Medical News Today