International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

12 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reports of Negative Interactions with Healthcare Providers among Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive People assigned Female at Birth in the United States: Results from an Online, Cross-Sectional Survey

by Elizabeth M. Inman, Juno Obedin-Maliver, Sachiko Ragosta, Jen Hastings, Jasmine Berry, Mitchell R. Lunn, Annesa Flentje, Matthew R. Capriotti, Micah E. Lubensky, Ari Stoeffler, Zubin Dastur and Heidi Moseson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 6007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20116007 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3213

Abstract

Over one million people in the United States are transgender, nonbinary, or gender expansive (TGE). TGE individuals, particularly those who have pursued gender-affirming care, often need to disclose their identities in the process of seeking healthcare. Unfortunately, TGE individuals often report negative experiences [...] Read more.

Over one million people in the United States are transgender, nonbinary, or gender expansive (TGE). TGE individuals, particularly those who have pursued gender-affirming care, often need to disclose their identities in the process of seeking healthcare. Unfortunately, TGE individuals often report negative experiences with healthcare providers (HCPs). We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 1684 TGE people assigned female or intersex at birth in the United States to evaluate the quality of their healthcare experiences. Most respondents (70.1%, n = 1180) reported at least one negative interaction with an HCP in the past year, ranging from an unsolicited harmful opinion about gender identity to physical attacks and abuse. In an adjusted logistic regression model, those who had pursued gender-affirming medical care (51.9% of the sample, n = 874) had 8.1 times the odds (95% CI: 4.1–17.1) of reporting any negative interaction with an HCP in the past year, compared to those who had not pursued gender-affirming care, and tended to report a higher number of such negative interactions. These findings suggest that HCPs are failing to create safe, high-quality care interactions for TGE populations. Improving care quality and reducing bias is crucial for improving the health and well-being of TGE people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

17 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptability of Primary Care Counseling and Brief Educational Messages to Increase Awareness about Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risks among Bisexual and Lesbian Women

by Adelaide Balenger, Lia C. Scott, Monica H. Swahn and Ritu Aneja

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054184 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2209

Abstract

This research had two aims: (1) to assess how often bisexual and lesbian women self-report screening and counseling for alcohol use in primary care settings; and (2) understand how bisexual and lesbian women respond to brief messages that alcohol increases breast cancer risk. [...] Read more.

This research had two aims: (1) to assess how often bisexual and lesbian women self-report screening and counseling for alcohol use in primary care settings; and (2) understand how bisexual and lesbian women respond to brief messages that alcohol increases breast cancer risk. The study sample consisted of 4891 adult U.S. women who responded to an online, cross-sectional Qualtrics survey in September–October 2021. The survey included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), questions about alcohol screening and brief counseling in primary care, and questions assessing awareness of the link between alcohol use and breast cancer. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were conducted. Bisexual and lesbian women had higher odds of harmful drinking (AUDIT score ≥ 8) than heterosexual women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.57 for bisexual women; AOR =1.78, 95% CI = 1.24–2.57 for lesbian women). However, bisexual and lesbian women were no more likely than heterosexual women to be advised about drinking in primary care. In addition, bisexual, lesbian, and heterosexual women had similar reactions to messages highlighting that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. Women across all three sexual orientations who are harmful drinkers more often agreed to search for more information online or talk to a medical professional compared to non-harmful drinkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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15 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dandarah App: An mHealth Platform to Tackle Violence and Discrimination of Sexual and Gender Minority Persons Living in Brazil

by Angélica Baptista Silva, Mônica Malta, Cosme Marcelo Furtado Passos da Silva, Clarice Cavalcante Kalume, Ianê Germano Andrade Filha, Sara LeGrand and Kathryn Whetten

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010280 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Discrimination and violence are widely experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons worldwide. More than one SGM person is murdered every day in Brazil because of their sexuality or gender identity, which is the highest reported homicide rate in the world. Alt-hough [...] Read more.

Discrimination and violence are widely experienced by sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons worldwide. More than one SGM person is murdered every day in Brazil because of their sexuality or gender identity, which is the highest reported homicide rate in the world. Alt-hough discrimination and violence against SGM persons in Brazil are considered to be hate crimes, reporting is still suboptimal due to fear of police SGM phobia and victim blaming. Accessible and easily disseminated interventions are urgently needed. Herein, we describe the develop-ment of an mHealth solution to help address violence against SGM persons, namely the Rainbow Resistance: Dandarah App, with a synthesis of key results and feedback from the SGM community after 24 months of using the app. Twenty-two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with SGM persons living in six Brazilian states: Bahia, Federal District, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Sergipe, and Pará. A total of 300 SGM persons participated in the FGDs. A thematic analysis was performed to interpret the qualitative data. Content themes related to aesthetics, us-ability, barriers to resources, and likes/dislikes about the intervention arose from the FGDs. Participants found the intervention to be user-friendly, endorsed more likes than dislikes, and suggested a few changes to the app. The findings suggest that the intervention is usable and fit for future ef-fectiveness testing, and that it could fill an important gap in the well-being of SGM persons living in a country with high levels of discrimination and violence towards this community, i.e., Brazil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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14 pages, 368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Gender Minority Communities: Focus Group Discussions

by Jennifer R. Pharr, Emylia Terry, André Wade, Amanda Haboush-Deloye, Erika Marquez and Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010050 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2096

Abstract

Background: People who identify as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experienced disproportionate economic and mental health issues related to COVID-19 when compared to the general population. The purpose of this study was to better understand how COVID-19 has impacted the SGM community and [...] Read more.

Background: People who identify as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experienced disproportionate economic and mental health issues related to COVID-19 when compared to the general population. The purpose of this study was to better understand how COVID-19 has impacted the SGM community and ways to address vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 21 members of the SGM community between 5 November and 10 December 2020. A thematic analysis using the reflexive approach was applied to the transcripts of the focus groups. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on the Community, (2) Perceptions of Contact Tracing and Testing, (3) Perceptions of a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine, and (4) Decreasing Vaccine Hesitancy. The most relevant subthemes were that social isolation led to anxiety, stress, and fear in the SGM community during COVID-19; resilience and adaptation were positive outcomes of the pandemic; histories of medical racism contributed to hesitancy to get tested; and specific messaging from trusted messengers may be needed to encourage SGM communities to get vaccinated. These findings support other COVID-19 research on the SGM community during the start of the pandemic. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the impact of the early stages of COVID-19 on the SGM community, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by SGM individuals with regard to contact tracing and vaccine hesitancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

12 pages, 1046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination against and Associated Stigma Experienced by Transgender Women with Intersectional Identities in Thailand

by Pimwarat Srikummoon, Yuphayong Thanutan, Natthaporn Manojai, Sukon Prasitwattanaseree, Nachale Boonyapisomparn, Unyamanee Kummaraka, Chanapat Pateekhum, Phisanu Chiawkhun, Chayut Owatsakul, Benchalak Maneeton, Narong Maneeton, Suttipong Kawilapat and Patrinee Traisathit

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416532 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3804

Abstract

Although Thailand is overtly open to diversity and promotes equality, discrimination of minorities based on gender, ethnicity, and/or certain occupations is unfortunately still prevalent. Society either obstructs their inclusion or accepts them but only under certain conditions. The objective of this study is [...] Read more.

Although Thailand is overtly open to diversity and promotes equality, discrimination of minorities based on gender, ethnicity, and/or certain occupations is unfortunately still prevalent. Society either obstructs their inclusion or accepts them but only under certain conditions. The objective of this study is to examine the discrimination of TGWs with intersectional identities within Thai society. A total of 19 TGW participants were recruited and underwent in-depth thematic interviews about their experiences of discrimination. Rechecking of the extracted information from the interview transcripts and the subsequent encoding process were conducted using the NVivo program. The results show that the median age was 30 years old, and the majority of the individuals with intersectional identities were ethnic minority TGWs (47%). The in-depth interviews were divided into four main themes, including discrimination at an educational institution, discrimination in the workplace, discrimination in daily life, and discrimination at a healthcare facility. Our findings reflect problems associated with multiple sources of discrimination aimed at transgender women with an intersectional identity in Thailand in every aspect, including harsh speech or physical abuse; occupational, social, and legal inequality; and healthcare provision disparity. Raising awareness about gender diversity and intersectionality, as well as enforcing anti-bullying legislation and anti-discrimination laws, should be continually pursued in order to protect the rights and improve the quality of life of transgender individuals with an intersectional identity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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15 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Support over Social Media among Socially Isolated Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in Rural U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities for Intervention Research

by Sana Karim, Sophia Choukas-Bradley, Ana Radovic, Savannah R. Roberts, Anne J. Maheux and César G. Escobar-Viera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315611 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3990

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) rural adolescents are at risk for higher levels of social isolation, a well-known risk factor for depression and other negative health outcomes. We qualitatively examined how rural SGM youth seek emotional and informational support, which are protective factors [...] Read more.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) rural adolescents are at risk for higher levels of social isolation, a well-known risk factor for depression and other negative health outcomes. We qualitatively examined how rural SGM youth seek emotional and informational support, which are protective factors for social isolation on social media (SM) regarding their SGM identity, and determined which SM platforms and tools are most effective in providing support. We conducted semistructured online interviews with rural SGM teens who screened positive for social isolation in spring 2020 and used a thematic analysis approach to analyze the data. Sixteen youths participated in interviews. Themes included seeking emotional support through SM groups and communities, seeking emotional support in designated online SGM spaces, using SM feeds for informational support, and disclosing SGM identity differentially across platforms. SM-based interventions could be leveraged to provide emotional and informational support for rural SGM youth across specific SM platforms and consider whether they are providing emotional or information support. Interventions focused on informational support may best be used on content-based platforms. Those designed to combat social isolation and connect marginalized SGM youths to similar others might benefit from community and forum-based platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

11 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Older Black Lesbians’ Needs and Expectations in Relation to Long-Term Care Facility Use

by Mekiayla Singleton, Mary Anne Adams and Tonia Poteat

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215336 - 20 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6740

Abstract

There is a dearth of long-term care research that focuses on the expectations and experiences of older sexual minority (SM) adults. That research dwindles further when examining subgroups within that population such as older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to [...] Read more.

There is a dearth of long-term care research that focuses on the expectations and experiences of older sexual minority (SM) adults. That research dwindles further when examining subgroups within that population such as older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to explore older Black lesbians’ needs and expectations in relation to the utilization of long-term care (LTC) facilities. We conducted secondary data analysis using data from 14 focus groups that discussed health and aging with older Black lesbians. Transcriptions were analyzed in NVivo using deductive content analysis and structural coding. Three themes were identified in relation to needs and expectations for LTC facility use: (1) consideration or established plans to utilize a LTC facility, (2) concern for care facility environment, and (3) a desire to build one’s own community. These findings illustrate how older Black lesbians are planning for a potential need for LTC, their concerns about utilizing LTC, and alternative approaches to avoid LTC use. There remains a continued need for LTC communities that are inclusive and supportive of SM older adults as well as more SM-only communities where older adults can live openly and authentically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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10 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver Program for LGBTQ+ Caregivers of People Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

by Krystal R. Kittle, Rebecca Lee, Kiera Pollock, Yeonsu Song, Whitney Wharton, Joel G. Anderson, N. Maritza Dowling and Jason D. Flatt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215102 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2903

Abstract

Nearly 350,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) adults in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Informal caregivers face challenges impacting their ability to access and receive adequate and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ persons living with [...] Read more.

Nearly 350,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) adults in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Informal caregivers face challenges impacting their ability to access and receive adequate and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ persons living with ADRD. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ individuals living with ADRD. Data for this secondary analysis come from caregivers (n = 17) who completed 6 sessions of the Savvy program. Caregivers were very satisfied with tailored program activities. Analyses of trends suggest non-significant increases in positive aspects of caregiving and decreases in caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. This is the first known study assessing the feasibility of the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ individuals living with ADRD. Future research on the Savvy Caregiver Program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ people living with ADRD is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

13 pages, 375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moderating Effect of Community and Individual Resilience on Structural Stigma and Suicidal Ideation among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in the United States

by Jennifer R. Pharr, Lung-Chang Chien, Maxim Gakh, Jason D. Flatt, Krystal Kittle and Emylia Terry

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114526 - 5 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

Background: Structural stigma in the form of discriminatory laws and policies impacts the mental health of sexual and gender minorities, especially with regard to suicidality. However, this relationship could be moderated by resilience. The past two years has brought anti-SGM legislation, particularly transgender [...] Read more.

Background: Structural stigma in the form of discriminatory laws and policies impacts the mental health of sexual and gender minorities, especially with regard to suicidality. However, this relationship could be moderated by resilience. The past two years has brought anti-SGM legislation, particularly transgender sports bans, at the state level in the United States into focus. This study aims to understand if the relationship between familiarity with transgender sports bans (proposed or enacted) and suicidality was moderated by individual or community resilience. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of survey data collected from a national sample of 1033 SGM adults in the United States between 28 January and 7 February 2022. Univariate and multivariate moderation analyses were used. Results: In the univariate analyses and the final model, community resilience moderated the relationship between structural stigma and suicidality (p = 0.0002); however, individual resilience did not (p = 0.0664). Conclusion: Interventions to bolster community resilience may attenuate the negative mental health impacts of structural stigma and are warranted, along with concerted efforts to minimize structural stigma in the form of discriminatory laws and policies targeting people who are SGM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

16 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serial Mediation Analysis of the Association of Familiarity with Transgender Sports Bans and Suicidality among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in the United States

by Jennifer R. Pharr, Lung-Chang Chien, Maxim Gakh, Jason Flatt, Krystal Kittle and Emylia Terry

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710641 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3347

Abstract

Background: Discriminatory laws and policies are a form of structural stigma that is associated with increased suicidality among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Unfortunately, in the United States, there has been an increase in state-level discriminatory laws and policies targeting SGM people [...] Read more.

Background: Discriminatory laws and policies are a form of structural stigma that is associated with increased suicidality among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Unfortunately, in the United States, there has been an increase in state-level discriminatory laws and policies targeting SGM people in 2021 and 2022, particularly, transgender sports bans. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine if familiarity with transgender sports bans was associated with suicidality among SGM adults; and (2) determine if interpersonal stigma and/or individual stigma mediated this association. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of data collected from a national sample of 1033 SGM adults in the United States between 28 January and 7 February 2022. Univariate and serial mediator models were used in this analysis. Results: The increased suicidality was associated with familiarity with state-level transgender sports bans among SGM adults (p-value = 0.0150). Even after interpersonal and individual stigma mediated this relationship, the association between suicidality and familiarity with state-level transgender sports bans remained (p-value = 0.0106). Conclusion: State-level transgender sports bans appear to exacerbate existing disparities in mental health, especially for individuals who are familiar with the bans. They directly discriminate against people who are transgender and indirectly stigmatize the broader SGM community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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16 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State-Level Policy Environments, Discrimination, and Victimization among Sexual and Gender Minority People

by Kristen D. Clark, Mitchell R. Lunn, Eliot M. Lev, Michael A. Trujillo, Micah E. Lubensky, Matthew R. Capriotti, Thomas J. Hoffmann, Juno Obedin-Maliver and Annesa Flentje

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169916 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3123

Abstract

Legislation has been passed in some states to reduce discrimination and victimization toward sexual and gender minority people (SGM; people who are not solely heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not equal to what is socially associated with sex assigned at birth). The [...] Read more.

Legislation has been passed in some states to reduce discrimination and victimization toward sexual and gender minority people (SGM; people who are not solely heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not equal to what is socially associated with sex assigned at birth). The purpose of these analyses is to test whether state-level policy environments are associated with past-year discrimination and victimization among SGM people. Cross-sectional data from The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study annual questionnaire (collected 2018–2019), a national study of the health of SGM adults in the USA, were used for these analyses. Measures included related to discrimination, victimization, and demographic characteristics. State-level policy environments were measured using data from the Movement Advancement Project. Logistic regression analyses evaluated state-level policy environment scores and past-year discrimination and victimization among gender identity categories. In this sample, 7044 people (gender minority n = 2530) were included. Cisgender sexual minority (odds ratio [OR] = 1.007, p = 0.041) and the gender expansive subgroup of gender minority people (OR = 1.010, p = 0.047) in states with more protective policy environments had greater odds of discrimination. The gender expansive subgroup was found to have greater odds of victimization in states with more protective policy environments (OR = 1.003, p < 0.05). There was no relationship between state-level policy environments and victimization among any other study groups. SGM people may experience increased risk for discrimination and victimization despite legislative protections, posing continued risks for poor health outcomes and marginalization. Evaluation of factors (e.g., implementation strategies, systems of accountability) that influence the effectiveness of state-level polices on the reported experiences of discrimination and victimization among SGM people is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

13 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations among Perceived Sexual Stigma from Family and Peers, Internalized Homonegativity, Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

by Huang-Chi Lin, Chih-Cheng Chang, Yu-Ping Chang, Yi-Lung Chen and Cheng-Fang Yen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106225 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the moderating factors of the association between perceived sexual stigma from family and peers and internalized homonegativity, as well as to compare the effects of perceived sexual stigma from family and peers and internalized homonegativity on loneliness, depression, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the moderating factors of the association between perceived sexual stigma from family and peers and internalized homonegativity, as well as to compare the effects of perceived sexual stigma from family and peers and internalized homonegativity on loneliness, depression, and anxiety in gay and bisexual men. In total, 400 gay and bisexual men participated in this study. The experiences of perceived sexual stigma from family and peers on the Homosexuality subscale of the HIV and Homosexuality Related Stigma Scale, internalized homonegativity on the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men, loneliness on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), depression on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and anxiety on the State subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were collected. The results indicated that perceived sexual stigma from family and peers was significantly associated with internalized homonegativity in both gay and bisexual men, and that sexual orientation moderated the association. Moreover, the association between internalized homonegativity and loneliness was significantly greater than that between perceived sexual stigma from family and peers and loneliness, although no significant differences were observed in their associations with depression and anxiety. Intervention programs that promote changes in the attitudes toward gay and bisexual men among the general population are needed to help prevent the development of internalized homonegativity and further loneliness, depression and anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

Review

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29 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessReview

Coping Strategies to Enhance the Mental Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minority Youths: A Scoping Review

by Mathijs F. G. Lucassen, Alicia Núñez-García, Katharine A. Rimes, Louise M. Wallace, Katherine E. Brown and Rajvinder Samra

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8738; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148738 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7694

Abstract

Robust population-based research has established that sexual and gender minority youths (SGMYs) are at an increased risk of mental ill-health, but there is a dearth of literature that seeks to explore how to best support SGMY mental wellbeing. This scoping review aims to [...] Read more.

Robust population-based research has established that sexual and gender minority youths (SGMYs) are at an increased risk of mental ill-health, but there is a dearth of literature that seeks to explore how to best support SGMY mental wellbeing. This scoping review aims to identify findings related to coping strategies and/or interventions for building resilience and/or enhancing the mental wellbeing of SGMYs. PRISMA extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines was utilized for this review. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed papers containing primary data; reported psycho-social coping strategies for SGMY; were conducted with SGMYs in the adolescent age range; and were published in English. MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched. Of the 3692 papers initially identified, 68 papers were included with 24 intervention-focused studies of 17 unique interventions found. The most commonly cited therapeutic modality was cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (n = 11 studies). Despite the need to support the mental wellbeing of SGMYs, few interventions focused on this area and unique populations have been reported upon in the peer-reviewed literature. As a result, there is considerable potential to develop supports for SGMYs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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28 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Support for Mothers, Fathers, or Guardians of Transgender Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review on the Dynamics of Secondary Social Networks

by Paula D. Abreu, Rubia L. P. Andrade, Israel L. S. Maza, Mariana G. B. F. Faria, Ana B. M. Valença, Ednaldo C. Araújo, Pedro F. Palha, Ricardo A. Arcêncio, Ione C. Pinto, Jaqueline G. A. Ballestero, Sandra A. Almeida, Jordana A. Nogueira and Aline A. Monroe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148652 - 16 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3626

Abstract

Mothers’, fathers’, or guardians’ support for disclosures of diverse gender identity has significant relationships with decreased suicidality for transgender children and adolescents. They play an essential role in facing transphobia, protecting trans children, and strengthening the expression of their identity. These guardians need [...] Read more.

Mothers’, fathers’, or guardians’ support for disclosures of diverse gender identity has significant relationships with decreased suicidality for transgender children and adolescents. They play an essential role in facing transphobia, protecting trans children, and strengthening the expression of their identity. These guardians need structural, emotional, and informative support; they need to be prepared to recognize and manage of their own feelings, as well as deal with the challenges that come with new social contexts of transphobia in schools, health institutions, and other community spaces. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the dynamics of secondary social networks to support mothers, fathers, or guardians of transgender children and adolescents. This is a systematic review of qualitative studies, guided by PRISMA guidelines. Controlled and free vocabularies were used to survey the primary studies in the following databases: EMBASE; Scopus; MEDLINE; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); PsycInfo; Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); and Web of Science. A total of 28 articles made up the final sample of this review. Secondary social networks were described as fragile, characterized by conflicting and broken ties with healthcare services and professionals, isolation and unpreparedness from schools, and emotional and informational support from peer groups and some qualified healthcare professionals. The literature shows the potential of the dynamics of secondary social support networks; however, it presented the unpreparedness of professionals and institutional policies for welcoming transgender children and adolescents and their families, with the peer group being the main emotional and informative support network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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19 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dynamics of Primary Social Networks to Support Mothers, Fathers, or Guardians of Transgender Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

by Paula Daniella de Abreu, Rubia Laine de Paula Andrade, Israel Lucas da Silva Maza, Mariana Gaspar Botelho Funari de Faria, Jordana de Almeida Nogueira and Aline Aparecida Monroe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137941 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4012

Abstract

Mothers, fathers, or guardians of children and adolescents who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth face barriers in their social network to recognize their children’s gender identity. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the dynamics [...] Read more.

Mothers, fathers, or guardians of children and adolescents who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth face barriers in their social network to recognize their children’s gender identity. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the dynamics of primary social networks to support mothers, fathers, or guardians of transgender children and adolescents. This is a systematic review of qualitative studies guided by the PRISMA guidelines. Controlled and free vocabulary were used to survey the studies in the EMBASE, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and Web of Science databases. A total of 21 studies composed the final sample. Primary social networks were described as fragile and conflicting family/blood relationship ties with disapproval, isolation, rejection, a lack of understanding, and feelings of exclusion were expressed. Some have lost friends, reported tension in marriage and with relatives, and were commonly treated with hostility and harassment. Social transition does take place in the mutual context of struggle and resistance which demands a support network for parents or guardians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health for Sexual and Gender Minority Populations)

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