New Horizons in Trans and Non-binary Health Care: Bridging Identity Affirmation with Chronicity Management in Sexual and Reproductive Services

Overview

Journal Int J Transgend Health

Date 2021 Nov 2

PMID 34725654

Citations 6

Authors

Nik M Lampe

Alexandra C H Nowakowski

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Transgender and non-binary people experience erasure, stigma, and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care. Previous research shows worse sexual and reproductive health outcomes and higher rates of chronicity for trans and non-binary populations as compared to cisgender populations. Historically such outcomes have been framed as separate issues.

Aims: To describe methodological approaches for exploring gaps in the sexual and reproductive health care of transgender and non-binary people, and explore intersections between chronic disease management and gender-affirming care.

Methods: We critically reviewed methods for studying sexual and reproductive care and chronic condition management among trans and non-binary populations. We focus on two themes: unmet needs and response strategies.

Results: We summarize findings and opportunities in existing research about service needs in trans and non-binary care. Key barriers to effective sexual and reproductive care for trans and non-binary people include persistent medical myths about trans people and bodies, siloization of different domains of health and associated services, lack of research on how chronic disease treatments interact with transition related care, and lack of active communication between providers and patients about individual care needs and goals.

Discussion: We recommend methodologically diverse research with trans and non-binary populations capturing: (1) erasure, stigma, and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care settings; (2) individual, interpersonal, and structural factors catalyzing chronicity; and (3) the impact of sexual and reproductive health disparities on chronic disease outcomes.

Citing Articles

"My support groups… have saved my life.": facilitators of positive or satisfactory experiences in behavioral healthcare for transgender and gender nonconforming older adults.

Lampe N, Rodill Z, Nowakowski A Aging Ment Health. 2024; 29(1):167-175.

PMID: 38982841 PMC: 11671278. DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2377261.

"We grow older. We also have lots of sex. I just want a doctor who will at least ask about it.": Transgender, non-binary, and intersex older adults in sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Lampe N, Pfeffer C Soc Sci Med. 2024; 344:116572.

PMID: 38350250 PMC: 11485221. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116572.

"Mom and dad = cis woman + cis man" and the stigmatization of trans parents: an empirical test of norm-centered stigma theory.

Worthen M, Herbolsheimer C Int J Transgend Health. 2023; 24(4):397-416.

PMID: 37901064 PMC: 10601509. DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.2016539.

Knowledge of Australia's My Health Record and factors associated with opting out: Results from a national survey of the Australian general population and communities affected by HIV and sexually transmissible infections.

Holt M, MacGibbon J, Smith A, Broady T, Davis M, Newman C PLOS Digit Health. 2023; 2(3):e0000200.

PMID: 36857326 PMC: 9977020. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000200.

Sexual experience, relationships, and factors associated with sexual and romantic satisfaction in the first Australian Trans & Gender Diverse Sexual Health Survey.

Holt M, Broady T, Callander D, Pony M, Duck-Chong L, Cook T Int J Transgend Health. 2023; 24(1):38-48.

PMID: 36713145 PMC: 9879190. DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.2016540.

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