1
|
Rael CT, Das D, Porter J, Lopez-Ríos J, Abascal E, Dolezal C, Vaughn MP, Giffenig P, Lopez JM, Stonbraker S, Sun C, Velasco RA, Bitterfeld L, Bockting WO, Bauermeister J. Provider Factors Likely to Impact Access and Uptake of Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir for Transgender Women in the United States: Results of a Qualitative Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024; 35:437-449. [PMID: 39137316 PMCID: PMC11361836 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was US Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2021. However, little is known about providers' CAB-LA knowledge, attitudes, challenges, and prescribing preferences for transgender women patients. Understanding this is critical to developing new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) interventions tailored to transgender women. We conducted 45-min, in-depth Zoom interviews (IDIs) with United States-based health care providers who prescribe PrEP to transgender women. IDIs focused on providers' CAB-LA knowledge/acceptability, willingness to prescribe CAB-LA to transgender women, potential challenges, and solutions to mitigate challenges. Providers ( N = 17) had a mean age of 43 years, and 35.4% ( n = 6) identified as people of color. Most ( n = 12) had basic knowledge of CAB-LA but wanted additional training. All participants found CAB-LA acceptable and were willing to prescribe. Most ( n = 11) anticipated minimal challenges to implementation. Others ( n = 4) reported potential issues, including logistical/scheduling concerns that impede CAB-LA integration and staffing concerns. Many providers expressed support for self-injection ( n = 13) and injections at "drop-in" clinics ( n = 8) to overcome challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Doyel Das
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan Porter
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA; University of Colorado College of Nursing, Aurora, Colorado, USA.; Optem Serve Consulting/The Lewin Group, New York, NY, USA
| | - Javier Lopez-Ríos
- Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Elena Abascal
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, New York, USA.; Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael P. Vaughn
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Psychiatry, New York, New York, USA.; Capital One Bank, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pilar Giffenig
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA.; Medical Associates of Wall Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jasmine M. Lopez
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at NYSPI/Columbia University Psychiatry, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Christina Sun
- University of Colorado Collee of Nursing, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Walter O. Bockting
- New York State Psychiatric InstituteI/Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jose Bauermeister
- School of Nursing and School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valentine SE, Gell-Levey IM, Godfrey LB, Livingston NA. The Associations Between Gender Minority Stressors and PTSD Symptom Severity Among Trauma-Exposed Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:422-435. [PMID: 38436077 PMCID: PMC11192609 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2323977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates associations between minority stressors, traumatic stressors, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity in a sample of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults. We utilized surveys and clinical interview assessments to assess gender minority stress exposures and responses, and PTSD. Our sample (N = 43) includes adults who identified as a minoritized gender identity (i.e., 39.5% trans woman or woman, 25.6% trans man or man, 23.3% genderqueer or nonbinary, 11.6% other identity). All participants reported at least one traumatic event (i.e., life threat, serious injury, or sexual harm). The most common trauma events reported by the sample were sexual (39.5%) and physical violence (37.2%), with 40.9% of participants anchoring their symptoms to a discrimination-based event. PTSD symptom severity was positively correlated with both distal (r = 0.36, p = .017) and proximal minority stressors (r = 0.40, p < .01). Distal minority stress was a unique predictor of current PTSD symptom severity (b = 0.94, p = .017), however, this association was no longer significant when adjusting for proximal minority stress (b = 0.18, p = 0.046). This study suggests that minority stress, especially proximal minority stress, is associated with higher PTSD symptom severity among TGD adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Valentine
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Nicholas A. Livingston
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, Boston, MA
- US Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jasuja GK, Wolfe HL, Reisman JI, Vimalananda VG, Rao SR, Blosnich JR, Livingston NA, Shipherd JC. Clinicians in the Veterans Health Administration initiate gender-affirming hormone therapy in concordance with clinical guideline recommendations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1086158. [PMID: 38800485 PMCID: PMC11116601 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1086158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a common medical intervention sought by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Initiating GAHT in accordance with clinical guideline recommendations ensures delivery of high-quality care. However, no prior studies have examined how current GAHT initiation compares to recommended GAHT initiation. Objective This study assessed guideline concordance around feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods The sample included 4,676 veterans with a gender identity disorder diagnosis who initiated feminizing (n=3,547) and masculinizing (n=1,129) GAHT between 2007 and 2018 in VHA. Demographics and health conditions on veterans receiving feminizing and masculinizing GAHT were assessed. Proportion of guideline concordant veterans on six VHA guidelines on feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation were determined. Results Compared to veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT, a higher proportion of veterans receiving feminizing GAHT were older (≥60 years: 23.7% vs. 6.3%), White non-Hispanic (83.5% vs. 57.6%), and had a higher number of comorbidities (≥7: 14.0% vs. 10.6%). A higher proportion of veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT were Black non-Hispanic (21.5% vs. 3.5%), had posttraumatic stress disorder (43.0% vs. 33.9%) and positive military sexual trauma (33.5% vs.16.8%; all p-values<0.001) than veterans receiving feminizing GAHT. Among veterans who started feminizing GAHT with estrogen, 97.0% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of contraindication, including venous thromboembolism, breast cancer, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Among veterans who started spironolactone as part of feminizing GAHT, 98.1% were guideline concordant as they had no documentation of contraindication, including hyperkalemia or acute renal failure. Among veterans starting masculinizing GAHT, 90.1% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of contraindications, such as breast or prostate cancer. Hematocrit had been measured in 91.8% of veterans before initiating masculinizing GAHT, with 96.5% not having an elevated hematocrit (>50%) prior to starting masculinizing GAHT. Among veterans initiating feminizing and masculinizing GAHT, 91.2% had documentation of a gender identity disorder diagnosis prior to GAHT initiation. Conclusion We observed high concordance between current GAHT initiation practices in VHA and guidelines, particularly for feminizing GAHT. Findings suggest that VHA clinicians are initiating feminizing GAHT in concordance with clinical guidelines. Future work should assess guideline concordance on monitoring and management of GAHT in VHA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guneet K. Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research, Veteran Affairs (VA) Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hill L. Wolfe
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Joel I. Reisman
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research, Veteran Affairs (VA) Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Varsha G. Vimalananda
- Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research, Veteran Affairs (VA) Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sowmya R. Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John R. Blosnich
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas A. Livingston
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jillian C. Shipherd
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- LGBTQ+ Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Henderson ER, Boyer TL, Wolfe HL, Blosnich JR. Causes of Death of Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:664-671. [PMID: 37979623 PMCID: PMC10957325 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans face numerous challenges due to stigma and marginalization, which have a significant impact on their health and well-being. However, there is insufficient data on cause-specific mortality in TGD veteran populations in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to describe the leading causes of death in a sample of TGD veterans who received care from the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS A secondary data analysis was conducted using Veterans Health Administration electronic health record data matched with death certificate records from the National Death Index from October 1, 1999 to December 31, 2019. Using record axis codes from National Death Index data, the 25 most frequent underlying and all causes of death were summarized. RESULTS Deaths occurred in 1,415 TGD veterans. Ranking by any mention on the death certificate, mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (17.2%), conduction disorders and cardiac dysrhythmias (15.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15.1%), diabetes mellitus (13.9%), and chronic ischemic heart disease (13.3%) were the top five causes of death. Three distinct methods of suicide appeared as the 7th (firearms), 17th (self-poisoning), and 24th (hanging) underlying causes of death for TGD veterans. CONCLUSIONS Targeted prevention efforts or interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of causes of death, particularly mental and behavioral health disorders and metabolic disorders, could prevent premature mortality among TGD adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmett R Henderson
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Taylor L Boyer
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hill L Wolfe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; The Yale Center for Medical Informatics (YCMI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wolfe HL, Vimalananda VG, Wong DH, Reisman JI, Rao SR, Shipherd JC, Blosnich JR, Livingston NA, Jasuja GK. Patient Characteristics Associated with Receiving Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration. Transgend Health 2024; 9:151-161. [PMID: 38694620 PMCID: PMC11059777 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to examine patient characteristics associated with receipt of gender-affirming hormone therapy in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods This cross-sectional study included a national cohort of 9555 transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients with TGD-related diagnosis codes who received care in the VHA from 2006 to 2018. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association of health conditions and documented social stressors with receipt of gender affirming hormone therapy. Results Of the 9555 TGD patients, 57.4% received gender-affirming hormone therapy in the VHA. In fully adjusted models, patients who had following characteristics were less likely to obtain gender-affirming hormones in the VHA: Black, non-Hispanic versus white (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-0.72), living in the Northeast versus the West (aOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.62-0.84), a documented drug use disorder (aOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.47-0.68), ≥3 versus no comorbidities (aOR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34-0.57), and ≥3 versus no social stressors (aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.30-0.58; all p<0.001). Younger patients aged 21-29 years were almost 3 times more likely to receive gender affirming hormone therapy in the VHA than those aged ≥60 (aOR: 2.98; 95% CI: 2.55-3.47; p<0.001). Conclusion TGD individuals who were older, Black, non-Hispanic, and had more comorbidities and documented social stressors were less likely to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy in the VHA. Further understanding of patient preferences in addition to clinician- and site-level determinants that may impact access to gender-affirming hormone therapy for TGD individuals in the VHA is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hill L. Wolfe
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Varsha G. Vimalananda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Denise H. Wong
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel I. Reisman
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sowmya R. Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jillian C. Shipherd
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- LGBTQ+ Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John R. Blosnich
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Livingston
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guneet K. Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shields AN, Chang F, DeBoer AB, Ka Yin Tse P, Wisinger AM, Basurto KS, Bing-Canar H, Khan H, Lapitan-Moore F, Stocks JK, Pliskin NH, Song W, Soble JR, Resch ZJ. Social Determinants of Health: Associations Between Dichotomous Versus Dimensional Scores, Neuropsychological Test Performance, and Psychiatric Symptoms. Assessment 2024; 31:263-276. [PMID: 36899457 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231157629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the utility of dichotomous versus dimensional scores across two measures of social determinants of health (SDOH) regarding their associations with cognitive performance and psychiatric symptoms in a mixed clinical sample of 215 adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation (Mage = 43.91, 53.5% male, 44.2% non-Hispanic White). Both dimensional and dichotomous health literacy scores accounted for substantial variance in all cognitive outcomes assessed, whereas dimensional and dichotomous adverse childhood experience scores were significantly associated with psychiatric symptoms. Tests of differences between correlated correlations indicated that correlations with cognitive and psychiatric outcomes were not significantly different across dimensional versus dichotomous scores, suggesting that these operationalizations of SDOH roughly equivalently characterize risk of poorer cognitive performance and increased psychiatric symptoms. Results highlight the necessity of measuring multiple SDOH, as different SDOH appear to be differentially associated with cognitive performance versus psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, results suggest that clinicians can use cut-scores when characterizing patients' risk of poor cognitive or psychiatric outcomes based on SDOH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Shields
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Fini Chang
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- University of Illinois Chicago, USA
| | - Adam B DeBoer
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Wheaton College, IL, USA
| | - Phoebe Ka Yin Tse
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology, IL, USA
| | - Amanda M Wisinger
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology, IL, USA
| | | | - Hanaan Bing-Canar
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- University of Illinois Chicago, USA
| | - Humza Khan
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Jane K Stocks
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Neil H Pliskin
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Woojin Song
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Jason R Soble
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marcus R, Trujillo L, Olansky E, Cha S, Hershow RB, Baugher AR, Sionean C, Lee K. Transgender Women Experiencing Homelessness - National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women, Seven Urban Areas, United States, 2019-2020. MMWR Suppl 2024; 73:40-50. [PMID: 38261599 PMCID: PMC10826682 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.su7301a5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgender women experience high prevalence of homelessness, which can affect their likelihood of acquiring HIV infection and can lead to poor medical outcomes. CDC analyzed data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women to identify whether personal characteristics and social factors affecting transgender women were associated with duration of homelessness during the past 12 months. Longer duration and chronic homelessness might indicate greater unmet needs, which increases their likelihood for acquiring HIV infection. Ordinal logistic regression was conducted to calculate adjusted prevalence odds ratios and 95% CIs for transgender women from seven urban areas in the United States experiencing homelessness 30-365 nights, 1-29 nights, and zero nights during the past 12 months. Among 1,566 transgender women, 9% reported 1-29 nights homeless and 31% reported 30-365 nights homeless during the past 12 months. Among participants who reported physical intimate partner violence or forced sex, 50% and 47%, respectively, reported experiencing 30-365 nights homeless. Furthermore, 55% who had been evicted or denied housing because of their gender identity and 58% who had been incarcerated during the past year experienced 30-365 nights homeless. The odds of transgender women experiencing longer duration of homelessness was associated with being younger and having a disability; higher psychological distress scores were associated with longer duration of homelessness. Analysis of social determinants of health found transgender women experiencing longer homelessness to be less educated, living below the Federal poverty level, and having lower social support. Therefore, focusing on HIV prevention and interventions addressing housing instability to reduce the duration of homelessness among transgender women is important. Further, integrating housing services with behavioral health services and clinical care, specifically designed for transgender women, could reduce HIV acquisition risk and improve HIV infection outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women Study Group
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia; Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wolfe HL, Boyer TL, Shipherd JC, Kauth MR, Jasuja GK, Blosnich JR. Barriers and Facilitators to Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration. Ann Behav Med 2023; 57:1014-1023. [PMID: 37436725 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) established a policy for the delivery of transition-related services, including gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients. In the decade since this policy's implementation, limited research has investigated barriers and facilitators of VHA's provision of this evidence-based therapy that can improve life satisfaction among TGD patients. PURPOSE This study provides a qualitative summary of barriers and facilitators to GAHT at the individual (e.g., knowledge, coping mechanisms), interpersonal (e.g., interactions with other individuals or groups), and structural (e.g., gender norms, policies) levels. METHODS Transgender and gender diverse patients (n = 30) and VHA healthcare providers (n = 22) completed semi-structured, in-depth interviews in 2019 regarding barriers and facilitators to GAHT access and recommendations for overcoming perceived barriers. Two analysts used content analysis to code and analyze transcribed interview data and employed the Sexual and Gender Minority Health Disparities Research Framework to organize themes into multiple levels. RESULTS Facilitators included having GAHT offered through primary care or TGD specialty clinics and knowledgeable providers, with patients adding supportive social networks and self-advocacy. Several barriers were identified, including a lack of providers trained or willing to prescribe GAHT, patient dissatisfaction with prescribing practices, and anticipated or enacted stigma. To overcome barriers, participants recommended increasing provider capacity, providing opportunities for continual education, and enhancing communication around VHA policy and training. CONCLUSIONS Multi-level system improvements within and outside the VHA are needed to ensure equitable and efficient access to GAHT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hill L Wolfe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor L Boyer
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jillian C Shipherd
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Health Program, Veterans Health Administration, Washington D.C., USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael R Kauth
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Health Program, Veterans Health Administration, Washington D.C., USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dermody SS, Uhrig A, Moore A, Raessi T, Abramovich A. A narrative systematic review of the gender inclusivity of measures of harmful drinking and their psychometric properties among transgender adults. Addiction 2023; 118:1649-1660. [PMID: 37070479 DOI: 10.1111/add.16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Experiencing higher rates of stigma, marginalization and discrimination puts transgender individuals at risk for alcohol use and associated harms. Measures of harmful drinking were designed with cisgender people in mind, and some rely on sex- and gender-based cut-offs. The applicability of these measures for gender diverse samples remains unknown. The present study had two aims: (i) identify gender-non-inclusive language and cut-offs in measures of harmful drinking, and (ii) systematically review research reporting psychometric properties of these measures in transgender individuals. METHODS We reviewed 22 measures of harmful drinking for gendered language and sex- and gender-based cut-off values and provided suggestions for revision when warranted. We also conducted a systematic narrative review, including eight eligible studies, summarizing the psychometric properties of measures of harmful drinking in transgender populations. RESULTS Six of 22 measures of harmful drinking were not gender inclusive, because of gendered language in the measure itself or use of sex- or gender-based cut-off scores. Only eight published studies reported psychometric data for these measures in transgender people. Apart from in one study, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) appear reliable for transgender adults (Cronbach's α: AUDIT [0.81-0.87] and AUDIT [0.72-0.8)]). There is initial support for using uniform cut-offs for transgender people for the AUDIT-C (≥3) and binge drinking (≥5 drinks in a sitting). CONCLUSIONS Most existing measures of harmful drinking appear to be gender inclusive (containing gender neutral language and uniform cut-off scores across sex and gender groups) and some that are not easily adapted to be gender inclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Dermody
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Uhrig
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annabelle Moore
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Raessi
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Abramovich
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kidd JD, Kaczmarkiewicz R, Kreski NT, Jackman K, George M, Hughes TL, Bockting WO. A qualitative study of alcohol use disorder psychotherapies for transgender and nonbinary individuals: Opportunities for cultural adaptation. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109913. [PMID: 37182356 PMCID: PMC10330671 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) populations experience high rates of hazardous drinking (HD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) as well as unique treatment barriers. This is due, in-part, to discrimination and stigma within and outside of the healthcare system. Cultural adaptation of clinical interventions can improve outcomes for marginalized populations, but no such adapted interventions exist for AUD among TGNB individuals. This study sought to understand how TGNB individuals perceive currently available AUD psychotherapies and to generate knowledge about potential areas for cultural adaptation. METHODS As part of a qualitative study of HD among TGNB individuals (N=27), participants were asked to imagine that they were clients in psychotherapy vignettes corresponding to cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and twelve step facilitation. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. A coding team used an iterative codebook to guide coding. Categories emerged from this process that reflected participants' perceptions and allowed for the identification of potential cultural-adaptation targets. RESULTS Across all three psychotherapies, participants wanted therapists to explicitly discuss gender identity and culturally salient HD risk factors for TGNB individuals (e.g., discrimination, stigma, gender dysphoria). There were also modality-specific recommendations to incorporate principles of trauma-informed care into cognitive behavioral therapy, avoid motivational enhancement therapy exercises that oversimplify decision-making, and recognize that the twelve-step-facilitation concept of "powerlessness" may conflict with how many TGNB people see themselves. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight areas for cultural adaptation that can be evaluated in future intervention trials in an effort to improve psychotherapy acceptability and efficacy for TGNB individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Kidd
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Roma Kaczmarkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Noah T Kreski
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Kasey Jackman
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 622 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Maureen George
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA.
| | - Walter O Bockting
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY10032, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jasuja GK, Reisman JI, Rao SR, Wolfe HL, Hughto JMW, Reisner SL, Shipherd JC. Social Stressors and Health Among Older Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans. LGBT Health 2023; 10:148-157. [PMID: 36454239 PMCID: PMC10081710 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Health disparities in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans compared with cisgender veterans have been documented. However, there is a paucity of literature focused on older TGD veterans. We assessed health conditions and social stressors in older TGD veterans compared with matched cisgender veterans. Methods: Using gender identity disorder diagnosis codes, we identified 1244 TGD veterans (65+ years of age) receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) from 2006 to 2018. These TGD veterans were then matched to 3732 cisgender veterans based on age, VHA site, and date of care in VHA. Results: In adjusted models, TGD veterans compared with cisgender veterans were less likely to have alcohol use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR; 95% confidence interval]: [0.70; 0.58-0.85]), drug use disorder (0.59; 0.47-0.74), tobacco use (0.75; 0.65-0.86), and anxiety (0.74; 0.62-0.90). However, compared with cisgender veterans, TGD veterans were more likely to experience depression (1.63; 1.39-1.93), Alzheimer's disease (8.95; 4.25-18.83), cancer (1.83; 1.56-2.14), violence (1.82; 1.14-2.91), social/familial problems (2.45; 1.99-3.02), lack of access to care/transportation (2.23; 1.48-3.37), and military sexual trauma (2.59; 1.93-3.46). Furthermore, compared with cisgender veterans, TGD veterans were more likely to have documentation of a higher count of social stressors: 1 or more stressors (1.64; 1.38-1.95) and 2 or more stressors (1.22; 1.01-1.49). Conclusion: Despite significant disparities in social stressors and health conditions compared with cisgender veterans, TGD veterans had a lower likelihood of substance use and anxiety. Interventions are needed to mitigate social stressors and improve health among the older TGD veteran population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joel I Reisman
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sowmya R Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hill L Wolfe
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jaclyn M W Hughto
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,General Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jillian C Shipherd
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,LGBTQ+ Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ramsey I, Kennedy K, Sharplin G, Eckert M, Peters MDJ. Culturally safe, appropriate, and high-quality breast cancer screening for transgender people: A scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 24:174-194. [PMID: 37114110 PMCID: PMC10128429 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2022.2155289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a recognized need for evidence to inform breast cancer screening guidelines and services for transgender people, who face barriers to accessing appropriate and inclusive health care. Aims This review summarized evidence for breast cancer risk and screening guidelines in transgender individuals, including the potential impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT); factors that may influence screening decision-making and behaviors; and considerations for providing culturally safe, high-quality screening services. Methods A protocol was developed based on the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. Searches were performed in Medline, Emcare, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for articles reporting information on the provision of culturally safe, high-quality breast cancer screening services for transgender people. Results We identified 57 sources for inclusion: 13 cross-sectional studies, 6 case reports, 2 case series, 28 review or opinion articles, 6 systematic reviews, 1 qualitative study, and 1 book chapter. Evidence on rates of breast cancer screening among transgender people and the association between GAHT and breast cancer risk was inconclusive. Factors negatively associated with cancer screening behaviors included socioeconomic barriers, stigma, and lack of health provider awareness of transgender health issues. Breast cancer screening recommendations varied and were generally based on expert opinion due to the lack of clear evidence. Considerations for providing culturally safe care to transgender people were identified and mapped to the areas of workplace policies and procedures, patient information, clinic environment, professional conduct, communication, and knowledge and competency. Discussion Screening recommendations for transgender individuals are complicated by the lack of robust epidemiological data and clear understanding of the role GAHT may play in breast cancer pathogenesis. Guidelines have been developed based on expert opinion and are subsequently not uniform or evidence based. Further work is required to clarify and consolidate recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Ramsey
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kate Kennedy
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Greg Sharplin
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marion Eckert
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Micah D. J. Peters
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide Nursing School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- The Centre for Evidence-based Practice South Australia (CEPSA): A JBI Centre of Excellence, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Drescher CF, Kassing F, Mahajan A, Stepleman LM. The Impact of Transgender Minority Stress and Emotion Regulation on Suicidality and Self-Harm. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2023.2164867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F. Drescher
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | | | - Aaron Mahajan
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| | - Lara M. Stepleman
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lopez JM, Rael CT. The Continued Importance of Including Transgender Individuals in HIV-Related Research. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:831-833. [PMID: 36342822 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.29002.jml] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M Lopez
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dolsen EA, Byers AL, Flentje A, Goulet JL, Jasuja GK, Lynch KE, Maguen S, Neylan TC. Sleep disturbance and suicide risk among sexual and gender minority people. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100488. [PMID: 36164391 PMCID: PMC9508603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbance has emerged as an independent, mechanistic, and modifiable risk factor for suicide. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people disproportionately experience sleep disturbance and are at higher risk of death by suicide relative to cisgender and/or heterosexual individuals. The present narrative review evaluates nascent research related to sleep disturbance and suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among SGM populations, and discusses how experiences of minority stress may explain heightened risk among SGM people. Although there is a growing understanding of the link between sleep disturbance and STBs, most research has not been conducted in SGM populations or has not examined suicide as an outcome. Research is needed to examine whether and how aspects of sleep disturbances relate to STBs among SGM people in order to better tailor sleep treatments for SGM populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Dolsen
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Research Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Annesa Flentje
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Alliance Health Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Joseph L Goulet
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristine E Lynch
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Edmonds AT, Rhew IC, Jones-Smith J, Chan KCG, De Castro AB, Rubinsky AD, Blosnich JR, Williams EC. Neighborhood Disadvantage, Patterns of Unhealthy Alcohol Use, and Differential Associations by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Rurality: A Study of Veterans Health Administration Patients. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:867-878. [PMID: 36484584 PMCID: PMC9756400 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.21-00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stressful conditions within disadvantaged neighborhoods may shape unhealthy alcohol use and related harms. Yet, associations between neighborhood disadvantage and more severe unhealthy alcohol use are underexplored, particularly for subpopulations. Among national Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients (2013-2017), we assessed associations between neighborhood disadvantage and multiple alcohol-related outcomes and examined moderation by sociodemographic factors. METHOD Electronic health record data were extracted for VA patients with a routine Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screen. Patient addresses were linked by census block group to the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), dichotomized at the 85th percentile, and examined in quintiles for sensitivity analyses. Using modified Poisson generalized estimating equations models, we estimated associations between neighborhood disadvantage and five outcomes: unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5), any past-year heavy episodic drinking (HED), severe unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 8), alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis, and alcohol-specific conditions diagnoses. Moderation by gender, race/ethnicity, and rurality was tested using multiplicative interaction. RESULTS Among 6,381,033 patients, residence in a highly disadvantaged neighborhood (ADI ≥ 85th percentile) was associated with a higher likelihood of unhealthy alcohol use (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.06, 95% CI [1.05, 1.07]), severe unhealthy alcohol use (PR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.12, 1.15]), HED (PR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.03, 1.05]), AUD (PR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.13, 1.15]), and alcohol-specific conditions (PR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.18, 1.24]). Associations were larger for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native patients compared with White patients and for urban compared with rural patients. There was mixed evidence of moderation by gender. CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood disadvantage may play a role in unhealthy alcohol use in VA patients, particularly those of marginalized racialized groups and those residing in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy T. Edmonds
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Isaac C. Rhew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jessica Jones-Smith
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kwun C. G. Chan
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - A. B. De Castro
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna D. Rubinsky
- Health Services Research & Development, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Health Services Research & Development, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily C. Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development, Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fletcher OV, Chen JA, van Draanen J, Frost MC, Rubinsky AD, Blosnich JR, Williams EC. Prevalence of social and economic stressors among transgender veterans with alcohol and other drug use disorders. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101153. [PMID: 35813187 PMCID: PMC9260617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender persons have high rates of alcohol and other drug use disorders (AUD and DUD, respectively) and commonly experience social and economic stressors that may compound risk for adverse substance-related outcomes. National VA electronic health record data were extracted for all outpatients in each facility with documented alcohol screening 10/1/09-7/31/17. We describe the prevalence of eight individual-level social and economic stressors (barriers to accessing care, economic hardship, housing instability, homelessness, social and family problems, legal problems, military sexual trauma, and other victimization) among transgender patients with and without AUD and DUD (alone and in combination), overall and compared to cisgender patients in a national sample of VA outpatients. Among 8,872,793 patients, 8619 (0.1%) were transgender; the prevalence of AUD, DUD, and both was 8.6%, 7.2%, and 3.1% among transgender patients and 6.1%, 3.9%, and 1.7% among cisgender patients, respectively. Among all patients, prevalence of stressors was higher among those with AUD, DUD, or both, relative to those with neither. Within each of these groups, prevalence was 2-3 times higher among transgender compared to cisgender patients. For instance, prevalence of housing instability for transgender vs. cisgender patients with AUD, DUD, and both was: 40.8% vs 24.1%, 45.8% vs. 36.6%, and 57.4% vs. 47.0%, respectively. (all p-values <0.001). Social and economic stressors were prevalent among patients with AUD, DUD, or both, and the experience of these disorders and social and economic stressors was more common among transgender than cisgender patients in all groups. Further research regarding experiences of transgender persons and influences of stressors on risk of AUD and DUD, substance-related outcomes, and treatment uptake are needed. Routine screening for social and economic stressors among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) could improve equitable substance-related care and outcomes. Treatment of SUDs among all persons should consider social and economic risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia V. Fletcher
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbia Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Jessica A. Chen
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbia Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jenna van Draanen
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Madeline C. Frost
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbia Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Anna D. Rubinsky
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbia Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Emily C. Williams
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbia Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Comparing Outpatient Opioids, High-Risk Prescribing, and Opioid Poisoning Between Transgender and Cisgender Veterans: A Cross-sectional Analysis. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:168-177. [PMID: 35396161 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender veterans have a high prevalence of substance use disorder and physical and mental-health comorbidities, which are associated with prescription opioid use and overdose risk. This study compares receipt of outpatient opioids, high-risk opioid prescribing, and opioid poisoning between transgender and cisgender (i.e., nontransgender) veterans. METHODS A secondary analysis of Veterans Health Administration health record data from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 was conducted in 2021. Transgender veterans (n=9,686) were randomly matched to 3 cisgender veterans (n=29,058) on the basis of age and county. Using the same matching criteria, a second cohort was created of all transgender veterans and a matched sample of cisgender veterans who were prescribed an outpatient opioid (n=7,576). Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression measured the RR of each prescription outcome and opioid poisoning. RESULTS Transgender veterans had a 20% higher risk of being prescribed any outpatient opioid than cisgender veterans (adjusted RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.13, 1.27). Transgender and cisgender veterans who were prescribed an opioid did not have different risks of high-risk prescribing: overlapping opioid prescriptions (adjusted RR=0.93, 95% CI=0.85, 1.02), daily dose >120 morphine milligram equivalents (adjusted RR=0.86, 95% CI=0.66, 1.10), or overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions (adjusted RR=1.05, 95% CI=0.96, 1.14). Overall, transgender veterans had more than twice the risk of opioid poisoning than cisgender veterans (RR=2.76, 95% CI=1.57, 4.86). The risk of opioid poisoning did not differ between transgender and cisgender veterans who were prescribed an opioid (RR=1.09, 95% CI=0.56, 2.11). CONCLUSIONS Transgender veterans had a greater risk of being prescribed an outpatient opioid than cisgender veterans but did not have different risks of high-risk opioid prescribing.
Collapse
|
19
|
Association of Social Determinants of Health and Their Cumulative Impact on Hospitalization Among a National Sample of Community-Dwelling US Adults. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1935-1942. [PMID: 34355346 PMCID: PMC9198163 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE While the association between Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and health outcomes is well known, few studies have explored the impact of SDOH on hospitalization. OBJECTIVE Examine the independent association and cumulative effect of six SDOH domains on hospitalization. DESIGN Using cross-sectional data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), we used multivariable logistical regression models controlling for sociodemographics and comorbid conditions to assess the association of each SDOH and SDOH burden (i.e., cumulative number of SDOH) with hospitalization. SETTING National survey of community-dwelling individuals in the US PARTICIPANTS: Adults ≥18 years who responded to the NHIS survey EXPOSURE: Six SDOH domains (economic instability, lack of community, educational deficits, food insecurity, social isolation, and inadequate access to medical care) MEASURES: Hospitalization within 1 year RESULTS: Among all 55,186 respondents, most were ≤50 years old (54.2%), female (51.7%, 95% CI 51.1-52.3), non-Hispanic (83.9%, 95% CI 82.4-84.5), identified as White (77.9%, 95% CI 76.8-79.1), and had health insurance (90%, 95% CI 88.9-91.9). Hospitalized individuals (n=5506; 8.7%) were more likely to be ≥50 years old (61.2%), female (60.7%, 95% CI 58.9-62.4), non-Hispanic (87%, 95% CI 86.2-88.4), and identify as White (78.5%, 95% CI 76.7-80.3), compared to those who were not hospitalized. Hospitalized individuals described poorer overall health, reporting higher incidence of having ≥5 comorbid conditions (38.9%, 95% CI 37.1-40.1) compared to those who did not report a hospitalization (15.9%, 95% CI 15.4-16.5). Hospitalized respondents reported higher rates of economic instability (33%), lack of community (14%), educational deficits (67%), food insecurity (14%), social isolation (34%), and less access to health care (6%) compared to non-hospitalized individuals. In adjusted analysis, food insecurity (OR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.52), social isolation (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.26), and lower educational attainment (OR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.25) were associated with hospitalization, while a higher SDOH burden was associated with increased odds of hospitalization (3-4 SDOH [OR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.06-1.49] and ≥5 SDOH [OR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.40-2.06]) compared to those who reported no SDOH. CONCLUSIONS Among community-dwelling US adults, three SDOH domains: food insecurity, social isolation, and low educational attainment increase an individual's risk of hospitalization. Additionally, risk of hospitalization increases as SDOH burden increases.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pinna F, Paribello P, Somaini G, Corona A, Ventriglio A, Corrias C, Frau I, Murgia R, El Kacemi S, Galeazzi GM, Mirandola M, Amaddeo F, Crapanzano A, Converti M, Piras P, Suprani F, Manchia M, Fiorillo A, Carpiniello B. Mental health in transgender individuals: a systematic review. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:292-359. [PMID: 36151828 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2093629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence indicate the prevalence of mental health disorders in Transgender (TG) individuals is higher than that of cisgender individuals or the general population. In this systematic review, we aim to propose a summary of some of the most significant research investigating mental health disorders' prevalence among this population. We performed a double-blind systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting (PRISMA) on PUBMED/MEDLINE and SCOPUS, specifically using peer-reviewed articles examining the mental health status of transgender (TG) individuals. This review did not exclude any research based on publication date. The last search was performed in February 2022. The employed search strategy led to the selection of 165 peer-reviewed articles. The majority of these papers presented a cross-sectional design with self-reported diagnoses and symptoms, signaling a significant prevalence of mental health disorders amongst TG Individuals. Of the reviewed articles, 72 examined the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders; 8 examined eating disorders; 43 examined the prevalence of suicidal or self-harm ideation or behaviors; 5 papers examined the prevalence of trauma and stress-related disorders; 10 examined the frequency of personality disorders; 44 examined substance use disorders; and 9 papers examined the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder. Finally, 22 studies reported on the prevalence of TG individuals diagnosed with co-morbid mental health disorders or unspecified mental disorders. Our findings coincide with existing research, which indicates TG individuals do experience a higher prevalence of mental health disorders than that of the general population or cisgender individuals. However, further research is needed to address the existing gaps in knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Somaini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alice Corona
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carolina Corrias
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frau
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Murgia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina El Kacemi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Dipartimento ad attività integrata di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze Patologiche, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Crapanzano
- Department of Counseling, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Manlio Converti
- Dipartimento di salute mentale, ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Piras
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Suprani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Arda ZA, Dewi C, Amaliah AR, Juliana N, Kartini SKM, Nur NH. A Literature Review on the Role of Social Determinants in Post-Disaster Public Health. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Social determinants are closely related to public health disparities, and they affect health both directly and indirectly. Furthermore, social and economic conditions are often associated with a natural disaster that impacts people’s health.
Methods: This study used the Pubmed database, Science direct, and Proquest through the keywords “Determinan Sosial; Kesehatan Masyarakat; Pascabencana (Social Determinants; Public Health; Post-Disaster)”. Furthermore, the studies found are open access, not a type of review and were filtered over the last five years. The Pubmed databases found 1308 studies, which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain a total of 7 studies for review.
Result: The role of social support shows a significant effect on a person’s stress symptoms. Moreover, environmental factors play an important role in post-disaster public health. Therefore, policies and countermeasures in disaster recovery need to continuously focus on health issues and social relations in the long term.
Conclusion: Social determinants have an important role in post-disaster public health.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wolford-Clevenger C, Hill SV, Cropsey K. Correlates of Tobacco and Nicotine Use Among Transgender and Gender Diverse People: A Systematic Review Guided by the Minority Stress Model. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:444-452. [PMID: 34375426 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ransgender and gender diverse (TGD) people have a higher prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use compared to their cisgender peers. AIMS AND METHODS Using the minority stress model as a guide, we conducted a systematic review of correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among TGD people. We reviewed the literature from Pubmed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL between April 1, 1995 and April 20, 2021. Article inclusion criteria were the following: written in English, reported empirical data, sampled exclusively or reported separate outcomes for transgender/gender diverse people, and reported correlates of tobacco or nicotine use, broadly defined. The first and second authors reviewed the articles retrieved from the search and from gray literature (relevant listserv solicitations) for inclusion. They then reviewed references of any included articles for additional candidate articles.Results: This resulted in 35 articles for review, which were synthesized in a qualitative fashion. The overall quality of the articles was fair, with the articles ranging from poor to fair quality and using primarily cross-sectional design and survey methods. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the literature demonstrated external minority stressors were mostly researched (and supported) correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among TGD people. There is a critical need for higher quality research, such as longitudinal or experimental designs, to improve our understanding and prevention of tobacco and nicotine use in this population. IMPLICATIONS This systematic review used the minority stress model as a guide to understand correlates of tobacco and nicotine use among transgender and gender diverse people. Literature of fair quality demonstrated that external minority stressors were the most researched and supported correlates of tobacco and nicotine use within the framework of the minority stress model. This review demonstrated a critical need for higher quality research, such as longitudinal or experimental designs, to improve our understanding and prevention of tobacco and nicotine use in this population. Preliminary findings from the limited literature highlight factors that may be relevant to target with this population, including general/environmental stressors and external minority stressors such as discrimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Samantha V Hill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Karen Cropsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hall CDX, Newcomb ME, Dyar C, Mustanski B. Patterns of polyvictimization predict stimulant use, alcohol and marijuana problems in a large cohort of sexual minority and gender minority youth assigned male at birth. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2022; 36:186-196. [PMID: 34081488 PMCID: PMC8639824 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men who have sex with men (MSM) and gender minorities (GM) are more likely to have substance problems and experience various forms of victimization compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Polyvictimization allows for the assessment of the combined impact of multiple forms of victimization on health. This study examines the effects of polyvictimization patterns on stimulant use, alcohol and marijuana problems among a large cohort study. METHOD The sample was collected between 2015 and 2019 (n = 1,202). Mean age was 22. The sample was racially diverse (34.4% Black, 29.0% Hispanic/Latinx, 25.8% white, 5.9% other racial identity), 92.4% of the sample were MSM and 7.6% of the sample were GM. Using latent class analysis five qualitatively different polyvictimization classes were identified. Associations between these classes and stimulant use, alcohol and marijuana problems were examined using negative binomial and logistic regressions. RESULTS Polyvictimization class significantly predicted alcohol problems and cannabis problems, at baseline as well as methamphetamine, and cocaine use at both time points. The polyvictimization profiles that were characterized by intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and high victimization across types were associated with substance outcomes at baseline. The polyvictimization class that was characterized by report of IPV was associated with cocaine use at 6 month follow-up. The polyvictimization class that was characterized by CSA was associated with methamphetamine use at 6 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Researchers should examine the effects of victimization experiences more holistically and develop substance interventions that take multiple forms of victimization experiences into account. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey D. Xavier Hall
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL
| | - Michael E. Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL
| | - Christina Dyar
- Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Adan M, Scribani M, Tallman N, Wolf-Gould C, Campo-Engelstein L, Gadomski A. Worry and Wisdom: A Qualitative Study of Transgender Elders' Perspectives on Aging. Transgend Health 2022; 6:332-342. [PMID: 34993305 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: While lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) elders face a multitude of barriers to healthy aging, little is known about needs and concerns specific to transgender elders, except that they face many self-perceived challenges to healthy aging, which exist at the individual, community, and institutional levels. To further understand these needs, we explored the perspectives of transgender individuals aged 65 and older on health care, expectations of aging, concerns for the future, and advice for young transgender people. Methods: We performed 19 semistructured interviews with individuals who identify as transgender elders, 10 transgender women and 9 transgender men. Interviews were transcribed and coded by three investigators to generate salient themes via thematic analysis. Results: We identified 7 major themes that exemplify the concerns and experiences of this sample of the aging transgender community: fear of mistreatment in elder care, isolation and loneliness exacerbated by transgender identity, increased vulnerability to financial stressors, perceived lack of agency, health care system and provider inclusivity, giving back to one's community, and embracing self-truth as a path to fulfillment. Conclusion: While some of these concerns, such as fear of mistreatment, are common among elders, the concerns of transgender elders are heightened due to stigma compounded by being both transgender and elderly. Health care providers, nursing home staff, and social workers must be sensitized to these needs and fears to provide appropriate, affirming, and respectful care and support to transgender elders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Adan
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Melissa Scribani
- Bassett Medical Center, Research Institute, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Tallman
- Bassett Medical Center, Research Institute, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | | | - Lisa Campo-Engelstein
- Institute for the Medical Humanities, Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Anne Gadomski
- Bassett Medical Center, Research Institute, Cooperstown, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Livingston NA, Lynch KE, Hinds Z, Gatsby E, DuVall SL, Shipherd JC. Identifying Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Disparity Among Transgender Veterans Using Nationwide Veterans Health Administration Electronic Health Record Data. LGBT Health 2022; 9:94-102. [PMID: 34981963 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders is high among military veterans and even higher among transgender veterans. Prior prevalence estimates have become outdated, and novel methods of estimation have since been developed but not used to estimate PTSD prevalence among transgender veterans. This study provides updated estimates of PTSD prevalence among transgender and cisgender veterans. Methods: We examined Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical record data from October 1, 1999 to April 1, 2021 for 9995 transgender veterans and 29,985 cisgender veteran comparisons (1:3). We matched on age group at first VHA health care visit, sex assigned at birth, and year of first VHA visit. We employed both probabilistic and rule-based algorithms to estimate the prevalence of PTSD for transgender and cisgender veterans. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 1.5-1.8 times higher among transgender veterans. Descriptive data suggest that the prevalence of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol and non-alcohol substance use disorders, current/former smoking status, and military sexual trauma was also elevated among transgender veterans. Conclusion: The PTSD and overall psychiatric burden observed among transgender veterans was significantly higher than that of their cisgender peers, especially among recent users of VHA care. These PTSD findings are consistent with prior literature and minority stress theory, and they were robust across probabilistic and two rule-based methods employed in this study. As such, enhanced and careful screening, outreach, and evidence-based practices are recommended to help reduce this disparity among transgender veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Livingston
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristine E Lynch
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Zig Hinds
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elise Gatsby
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Scott L DuVall
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jillian C Shipherd
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,LGBTQ+ Health Program, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
McKenzie C, Mulé NJ, Khan M. Where Is LGBTQ+ in Ontario's Health Care Policies and Programs? SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 19:610-621. [PMID: 33903805 PMCID: PMC8060909 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-021-00577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The LGBTQ+ community experiences health inequities that are linked to the social determinants of health (SDH), though the full extent of these health inequities is not fully understood. METHODS This study is a comparative thematic content analysis of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's (MOHLTC) website and the websites of each of the 14 local health integration networks (LHINs) in 2009 and 2017. It provides a snapshot and evaluation of the amount and type of online content concerning LGBTQ+-specific health needs and determines how well the programs and services aligned with the Ministry's stated priorities and population health/SDH philosophy. RESULTS We found very little content that suggested a population health approach on the Ministry's website. We also found very little LGBTQ+-specific content on the LHINs' websites in both periods, with two notable exceptions in 2017. Our analysis revealed a persistent emphasis on HIV/AIDS risk containment in the LGBTQ + community over the two periods. CONCLUSIONS We argue that to promote healthy equity, the MOHLTC needs to acknowledge inequalities and intervene through political and social mechanisms that extend beyond HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron McKenzie
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, ON Canada
| | - Nick J. Mulé
- School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Maryam Khan
- Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Kitchener, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Holliday R, Forster JE, Desai A, Miller C, Monteith LL, Schneiderman AI, Hoffmire CA. Association of lifetime homelessness and justice involvement with psychiatric symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among post-9/11 veterans. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 144:455-461. [PMID: 34752942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Both homelessness and criminal justice involvement can impact mental health symptoms and increase risk for suicide. Despite this, few studies have examined their cumulative impact. Moreover, no studies to date have examined the impact of these social determinants of health on post-9/11 veterans, a population with high rates of housing insecurity and justice involvement. The current study sought to better understand the adverse impacts of homelessness and justice involvement on mental health symptoms and suicide risk among post-9/11 veterans. We carried this out by conducting a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a 2018 national survey of men and women post-9/11 veteran users and non-users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services (N = 15,067). Gender-stratified Poisson and multivariate regressions examined mental health symptoms and suicide risk based on history of homelessness and justice involvement. Models adjusted for sociodemographics, military-related variables, and trauma exposure. Homelessness and justice involvement were both independently associated with more severe posttraumatic, depressive, and substance use symptoms as well as increased rates of suicidal ideation and attempt relative to those with no history of homelessness or justice involvement. Veterans with a history of both homelessness and justice involvement reported the most severe mental health symptoms and suicide risk. This study found consistent positive associations with mental health symptoms for homelessness and justice-involved veterans. Enhancing and increasing access to services that address complex mental health presentation among those with histories of justice involvement and housing instability remain necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holliday
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, United States.
| | - Jeri E Forster
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - Alisha Desai
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States
| | - Christin Miller
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, United States
| | - Lindsey L Monteith
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | | | - Claire A Hoffmire
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Heller CG, Rehm CD, Parsons AH, Chambers EC, Hollingsworth NH, Fiori KP. The association between social needs and chronic conditions in a large, urban primary care population. Prev Med 2021; 153:106752. [PMID: 34348133 PMCID: PMC8595547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
There is consensus that social needs influence health outcomes, but less is known about the relationships between certain needs and chronic health conditions in large, diverse populations. This study sought to understand the association between social needs and specific chronic conditions using social needs screening and clinical data from Electronic Health Records. Between April 2018-December 2019, 33,550 adult (≥18y) patients completed a 10-item social needs screener during primary care visits in Bronx and Westchester counties, NY. Generalized linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios for eight outcomes by number and type of needs with analyses completed in Summer 2020. There was a positive, cumulative association between social needs and each of the outcomes. The relationship was strongest for elevated PHQ-2, depression, alcohol/drug use disorder, and smoking. Those with ≥3 social needs were 3.90 times more likely to have an elevated PHQ-2 than those without needs (95% CI: 3.66, 4.16). Challenges with healthcare transportation was associated with each condition and was the most strongly associated need with half of conditions in the fully-adjusted models. For example, those with transportation needs were 84% more likely to have an alcohol/drug use disorder diagnosis (95% CI: 1.59, 2.13) and 41% more likely to smoke (95% CI: 1.25, 1.58). Specific social needs may influence clinical issues in distinct ways. These findings suggest that health systems need to develop strategies that address unmet social need in order to optimize health outcomes, particularly in communities with a dual burden of poverty and chronic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Heller
- Office of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, 3154 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Colin D Rehm
- Office of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, 3154 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Belfer Building, Bronx, New York 10461, United States of America
| | - Amanda H Parsons
- Department of Family & Social Medicine, Division of Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3544 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467, United States of America; Metroplus Health Plan, 160 Water Street, New York, NY 10038, United States of America
| | - Earle C Chambers
- Department of Family & Social Medicine, Division of Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3544 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Belfer Building, Bronx, New York 10461, United States of America
| | - Nicole H Hollingsworth
- Office of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, 3154 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America; Department of Family & Social Medicine, Division of Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3544 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467, United States of America; Hackensack Meridian Health, 343 Thornall Street, Edison, NJ 08837, United States of America
| | - Kevin P Fiori
- Office of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, 3154 Dekalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3411 Wayne Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America; Department of Family & Social Medicine, Division of Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3544 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, New York 10467, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wolfe HL, Boyer TL, Rodriguez KL, Klima GJ, Shipherd JC, Kauth MR, Blosnich JR. Exploring Research Engagement and Priorities of Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans. Mil Med 2021; 188:e1224-e1231. [PMID: 34791410 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has seen an increasing population of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans accessing care. Approximately 139 per 100,000 VHA users had a gender identity disorder diagnosis documented in 2018 compared to 32.9 per 100,000 in 2013. Despite TGD patients being overrepresented within VHA, TGD veterans may distrust or face unique barriers with various aspects of the VHA, including health services research. Existing VHA health research focused on TGD populations is largely limited to secondary analyses of electronic health record data. Identifying strategies to enhance primary data collection is crucial for more deeply investigating health care challenges experienced by TGD veterans using VHA care. Additionally, describing health topics of importance for TGD veterans is important for making the research agenda more patient-centered. In this study, we offer veterans' recommendations for researchers working with underrepresented populations based on our findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS From September through October 2019, 30 TGD veterans were recruited through VHA lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning Veteran Care Coordinators (LGBTQ+ VCC) located nationwide. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore barriers and facilitators to research participation, recommendations for improving outreach and engagement, and overall perspectives about priorities in health services research. Transcripts were independently and jointly reviewed and coded by two TGD research analysts, including a veteran using VHA care. Codes were derived inductively. Themes were identified using conventional content analysis. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System institutional review board approved this study. RESULTS Participants cited privacy concerns of being "outed" and potentially having VHA benefits revoked, in addition to a level of distrust in researchers' intentions as barriers to participating in studies. Facilitators for participating included feeling a sense of serving the TGD community and accessibility to study locations, especially VHA-affiliated sites. Suggestions for recruitment included tailored messaging and using other TGD peers or affirming VHA staff (e.g., LGBTQ+ VCCs) for study outreach. Mental health and gender-affirming hormone therapy were the most understudied topics identified by participants. Additionally, participants prioritized the inclusion and study of underrepresented subpopulations, such as transgender women of color, transgender men, and non-binary/gender diverse veterans, in future research. CONCLUSIONS By harnessing the VHA LGBTQ+ VCC network, this study recruited a national sample of TGD veterans to provide insight on methods for more effectively engaging TGD veterans in research and elicited their suggestions for health services research topics. The findings provide numerous suggestions for medicine and public health that are ripe for future research endeavors. Despite the study's lack of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, findings highlight the need for engagement and study of underrepresented veteran populations. These suggested areas of focus for research in combination with valuable insight on research participation provide researchers with guidance for developing research agendas and designing recruitment and data collection methods that can facilitate future primary research advancing health services research involving TGD patients. Similarly, VHA and non-VHA researchers conducting research involving other underrepresented populations can also gain insight from these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hill L Wolfe
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA 01730, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Taylor L Boyer
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Keri L Rodriguez
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Gloria J Klima
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Jillian C Shipherd
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.,National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
| | - Michael R Kauth
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA.,Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, HSR&D Center of Innovation, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA.,Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mitra A, Ahsan H, Li W, Liu W, Kerns RD, Tsai J, Becker W, Smelson DA, Yu H. Risk Factors Associated With Nonfatal Opioid Overdose Leading to Intensive Care Unit Admission: A Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Med Inform 2021; 9:e32851. [PMID: 34747714 PMCID: PMC8663596 DOI: 10.2196/32851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose (OD) and related deaths have significantly increased in the United States over the last 2 decades. Existing studies have mostly focused on demographic and clinical risk factors in noncritical care settings. Social and behavioral determinants of health (SBDH) are infrequently coded in the electronic health record (EHR) and usually buried in unstructured EHR notes, reflecting possible gaps in clinical care and observational research. Therefore, SBDH often receive less attention despite being important risk factors for OD. Natural language processing (NLP) can alleviate this problem. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were two-fold: First, we examined the usefulness of NLP for SBDH extraction from unstructured EHR text, and second, for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, we investigated risk factors including SBDH for nonfatal OD. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of admission data from the EHR of patients in the ICU of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2001 and 2012. We used patient admission data and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnoses to extract demographics, nonfatal OD, SBDH, and other clinical variables. In addition to obtaining SBDH information from the ICD codes, an NLP model was developed to extract 6 SBDH variables from EHR notes, namely, housing insecurity, unemployment, social isolation, alcohol use, smoking, and illicit drug use. We adopted a sequential forward selection process to select relevant clinical variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations with nonfatal OD, and relative risks were quantified as covariate-adjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS The strongest association with nonfatal OD was found to be drug use disorder (aOR 8.17, 95% CI 5.44-12.27), followed by bipolar disorder (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.68-4.29). Among others, major depressive disorder (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.12-5.88), being on a Medicaid health insurance program (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.43-3.58), history of illicit drug use (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.15-3.79), and current use of illicit drugs (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.20-3.55) were strongly associated with increased risk of nonfatal OD. Conversely, Blacks (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.94), older age groups (40-64 years: aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96; >64 years: aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.34) and those with tobacco use disorder (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32-0.89) or alcohol use disorder (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-1.00) had decreased risk of nonfatal OD. Moreover, 99.82% of all SBDH information was identified by the NLP model, in contrast to only 0.18% identified by the ICD codes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to analyze the risk factors for nonfatal OD in an ICU setting using NLP-extracted SBDH from EHR notes. We found several risk factors associated with nonfatal OD including SBDH. SBDH are richly described in EHR notes, supporting the importance of integrating NLP-derived SBDH into OD risk assessment. More studies in ICU settings can help health care systems better understand and respond to the opioid epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Mitra
- College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Hiba Ahsan
- College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States.,Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Weisong Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jack Tsai
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - William Becker
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - David A Smelson
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Hong Yu
- College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States.,Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Dawson DB, White DL, Chiao E, Walder A, Kramer JR, Kauth MR, Lindsay JA. Mental and Physical Health Correlates of Tobacco Use Among Transgender Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts. Transgend Health 2021; 6:290-295. [PMID: 34993301 PMCID: PMC8664096 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify prevalence of tobacco use and associated correlates in a cohort of 332 transgender veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. We identified tobacco use, nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), and clinical comorbidities from veteran medical record databases. We compared differences in use and clinical comorbidities, using nonparametric bivariate analyses. Approximately 67% of veterans were using tobacco, with 25% receiving NRTs. Major depressive disorder, alcohol-use disorders, and drug-use disorders were significantly higher in transgender women tobacco users than in nonusers. Results emphasize future research and clinical intervention necessary to address these health conditions in this vulnerable subgroup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darius B. Dawson
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (a Virtual Center), Houston, Texas, USA
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Donna L. White
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Health Services Research and Development, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Translational Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chiao
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Health Services Research and Development, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Annette Walder
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Health Services Research and Development, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Kramer
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Health Services Research and Development, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael R. Kauth
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (a Virtual Center), Houston, Texas, USA
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jan A. Lindsay
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (a Virtual Center), Houston, Texas, USA
- Houston VA HSR&D Center of Innovations for Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Characterizing Substance Use Disorders among Transgender Adults Receiving Care at a Large Urban Safety Net Hospital. J Addict Med 2021; 16:407-412. [PMID: 34561349 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the midst of the opioid crisis, increasing attention has been given to assessing and addressing substance use disorders (SUDs) among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations. As electronic health records begin to more uniformly collect gender identity data, clinicians and public health professionals are better able to examine the prevalence of SUDs and the receipt of SUD treatment services in these populations. METHODS We utilized cross-sectional electronic health records data from January 2005 to December 2019 from a large safety-net hospital in Massachusetts. A cohort of TGD patients was identified using self-reported gender identity data as well as diagnostic and procedures codes associated with receipt of gender-affirming care (n = 2000). We calculated odds of SUD diagnosis and receipt of medications for SUD among TGD patients. RESULTS Among a cohort of 2000 TGD patients, 8.8% had a SUD diagnosis. SUD diagnoses were more common among older, Black, and transmasculine patients, as well as those holding public health insurance. SUD diagnoses were less likely among those reporting college-level education. Of those with an opioid use disorder (OUD), 46% were prescribed an FDA-approved medication for OUD. CONCLUSIONS SUD diagnoses among TGD patients were associated with demographic, socioeconomic, and gender-related factors. We found a modestly lower prevalence of non-tobacco SUD among our cohort of TGD patients than the national average of 7.4%. Despite a relatively better receipt of prescription treatment services than the national average, the low rate of treatment overall represents a missed opportunity to address SUDs in these vulnerable populations.
Collapse
|
33
|
Renkiewicz GK, Hubble MW. Secondary Traumatic Stress in Emergency Services Systems (STRESS) Project: Quantifying and Predicting Compassion Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services Personnel. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:652-663. [PMID: 34128453 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1943578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Compassion fatigue (CF) is defined as the acute or gradual loss of benevolence that occurs after exposure to critical incident stress. Colloquially referred to as the "cost of caring," CF can affect an individual's future response to stressful situations and is unhealthy for caregivers.Objective: To identify the prevalence and predictors of CF in EMS professionals.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of EMS personnel using one-stage area sampling. Nine EMS agencies recruited based on location and geographic region provided data on service area and call mix. Respondents were surveyed in-person during monthly training. The survey evaluated the relationship between CF and psychosocial factors using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used where appropriate for the univariate analysis. Those factors significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. A logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors of CF while controlling for potential confounders.Results: A total of 686 EMS personnel completed the survey. Altogether, 48% had CF, of which 50.8% were male and 14% were minorities. Compared to those without CF, more than 4 times as many respondents with CF (n = 28[8.6%] v. 7[2.0%]) self-reported as currently in counseling and over a third (n = 109[33.1%]) had considered suicide. Irrespective of the presence of CF, one in two knew another EMS professional who had completed suicide. African-American EMS professionals were 3 times more likely to have CF (OR:3.1;p = 0.009). Mean scores on the ProQOL CF subscale were 10 points higher in those with CF compared to those without (27.1[±4.34] v. 17.04[±2.9]). EMS personnel were 48% more likely to have CF if they knew an EMS provider who completed suicide (p = 0.047). Additionally, those with concomitant traumatic stress syndromes, such as vicarious trauma and burnout, were 4.61 and 3.35 times more likely to have CF, respectively.Conclusions: CF is a considerable concern for EMS professionals and there are several modifiable factors that may reduce the prevalence of this cumulative stress syndrome. Additional research should focus on causal factors and mitigation strategies, as well as the individual and agency impact of CF on the prehospital work environment.
Collapse
|
34
|
Williams EC, Chen JA, Frost MC, Rubinsky AD, Edmonds AT, Glass JE, Lehavot K, Matson TE, Wheat CL, Coggeshall S, Blosnich JR. Receipt of evidence-based alcohol-related care in a national sample of transgender patients with unhealthy alcohol use: Overall and relative to non-transgender patients. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108565. [PMID: 34274175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Evidence-based alcohol-related care-brief intervention for all patients with unhealthy alcohol use and specialty addictions treatment and/or pharmacotherapy for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD)-should be routinely offered. Transgender persons may be particularly in need of alcohol-related care, given common experiences of social and economic hardship that may compound the adverse effects of unhealthy alcohol use. We examined receipt of alcohol-related care among transgender patients compared to non-transgender patients in a large national sample of Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatients with unhealthy alcohol use. METHODS We extracted electronic health record data for patients from all VA facilities who had an outpatient visit 10/1/09-7/31/17 and a documented positive screen for unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5). We identified transgender patients with a validated approach using transgender-related diagnostic codes. We fit modified Poisson models, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, to estimate the average predicted prevalence of brief intervention (documented 0-14 days following most recent positive screening), specialty addictions treatment for AUD (documented 0-365 days following screening), and filled prescriptions for medications to treat AUD (documented 0-365 days following screening) for transgender patients, and compared to that of non-transgender patients. RESULTS Among transgender Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use (N = 1392), the adjusted prevalence of receiving brief intervention was 75.4% (95% CI 72.2-78.5), specialty addictions treatment for AUD was 15.7% (95% CI 13.7-17.7), and any AUD pharmacotherapy was 19.0% (95% CI 17.1-20.8). Receipt of brief intervention did not differ for transgender relative to non-transgender patients (Prevalence Ratio [PR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.04, p = 0.574). However, transgender patients were more likely to receive specialty addictions treatment (PR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.37, p < 0.001) and pharmacotherapy (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.28, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the majority of transgender VHA patients with unhealthy alcohol use receive brief intervention, though a quarter still do not. Nonetheless, rates of specialty addictions treatment and pharmacotherapy are low overall, although transgender patients may be receiving this care at greater rates than non-transgender patients. Further research is needed to investigate these findings and to increase receipt of evidence-based care overall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
| | - Jessica A Chen
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Anna D Rubinsky
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Amy T Edmonds
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Joseph E Glass
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Theresa E Matson
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Chelle L Wheat
- Primary Care Analytics Team, Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Scott Coggeshall
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stemerman R, Arguello J, Brice J, Krishnamurthy A, Houston M, Kitzmiller R. Identification of social determinants of health using multi-label classification of electronic health record clinical notes. JAMIA Open 2021; 4:ooaa069. [PMID: 34514351 PMCID: PMC8423426 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaa069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social determinants of health (SDH), key contributors to health, are rarely systematically measured and collected in the electronic health record (EHR). We investigate how to leverage clinical notes using novel applications of multi-label learning (MLL) to classify SDH in mental health and substance use disorder patients who frequent the emergency department. METHODS AND MATERIALS We labeled a gold-standard corpus of EHR clinical note sentences (N = 4063) with 6 identified SDH-related domains recommended by the Institute of Medicine for inclusion in the EHR. We then trained 5 classification models: linear-Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, XGBoost, and bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BI-LSTM). We adopted 5 common evaluation measures: accuracy, average precision-recall (AP), area under the curve receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC), Hamming loss, and log loss to compare the performance of different methods for MLL classification using the F1 score as the primary evaluation metric. RESULTS Our results suggested that, overall, BI-LSTM outperformed the other classification models in terms of AUC-ROC (93.9), AP (0.76), and Hamming loss (0.12). The AUC-ROC values of MLL models of SDH related domains varied between (0.59-1.0). We found that 44.6% of our study population (N = 1119) had at least one positive documentation of SDH. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The proposed approach of training an MLL model on an SDH rich data source can produce a high performing classifier using only unstructured clinical notes. We also provide evidence that model performance is associated with lexical diversity by health professionals and the auto-generation of clinical note sentences to document SDH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stemerman
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jaime Arguello
- School of Information and Library Sciences, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane Brice
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashok Krishnamurthy
- Department of Computer Science, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mary Houston
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca Kitzmiller
- School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Progovac AM, Tran NM, Mullin BO, De Mello Libardi Maia J, Creedon TB, Dunham E, Reisner SL, McDowell A, Bird N, Sánchez Román MJ, Dunn M, Telingator C, Lu F, Breslow AS, Forstein M, Cook BL. Elevated Rates of Violence Victimization and Suicide Attempt Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients in an Urban, Safety Net Health System. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
37
|
Williams EC, Frost MC, Rubinsky AD, Glass JE, Wheat CL, Edmonds AT, Chen JA, Matson TE, Fletcher OV, Lehavot K, Blosnich JR. Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Transgender Patients Receiving Care at the Veterans Health Administration: Overall and Relative to Nontransgender Patients. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2021. [PMID: 33573731 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2021.82.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use is understudied among transgender persons--persons whose sex differs from their gender identity. We compare patterns of alcohol use between Veterans Health Administration (VA) transgender and nontransgender outpatients. METHOD National VA electronic health record data were used to identify all patients' last documented Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screen (October 1, 2009-July 31, 2017). Transgender patients were identified using diagnostic codes. Logistic regression models estimated four past-year primary outcomes: (a) alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 0); (b) unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5); (c) high-risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 8); and (d) heavy episodic drinking (HED; ≥6 drinks on ≥1 occasion). Two secondary diagnostic-based outcomes, alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-specific conditions, were also examined. RESULTS Among 8,872,793 patients, 8,619 (0.10%) were transgender. For transgender patients, unadjusted prevalence estimates were as follows: 52.8% for any alcohol use, 6.6% unhealthy alcohol use, 2.8% high-risk use, 10.4% HED, 8.6% AUD, and 1.3% alcohol-specific conditions. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, transgender patients had lower odds of patient-reported alcohol use but higher odds of alcohol-related diagnoses compared with nontransgender patients. Differences in alcohol-related diagnoses were attenuated after adjustment for comorbid conditions and utilization. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study of patterns of alcohol use among transgender persons and among the first to directly compare patterns to nontransgender persons. Findings suggest nuanced associations with patterns of alcohol use and provide a base for further disparities research to explore alcohol use within the diverse transgender community. Research with self-reported measures of gender identity and sex-at-birth and structured assessment of alcohol use and disorders is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna D Rubinsky
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joseph E Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chelle L Wheat
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amy T Edmonds
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jessica A Chen
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Theresa E Matson
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olivia V Fletcher
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zwickl S, Wong AFQ, Dowers E, Leemaqz SYL, Bretherton I, Cook T, Zajac JD, Yip PSF, Cheung AS. Factors associated with suicide attempts among Australian transgender adults. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:81. [PMID: 33557793 PMCID: PMC7869522 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03084-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender, including gender diverse and non-binary people, henceforth referred to collectively as trans people, are a highly marginalised population with alarming rates of suicidal ideation, attempted suicide and self-harm. We aimed to understand the risk and protective factors of a lifetime history of attempted suicide in a community sample of Australian trans adults to guide better mental health support and suicide prevention strategies. METHODS Using a non-probability snowball sampling approach, a total of 928 trans adults completed a cross-sectional online survey between September 2017 and January 2018. The survey assessed demographic data, mental health morbidity, a lifetime history of intentional self-harm and attempted suicide, experiences of discrimination, experiences of assault, access to gender affirming healthcare and access to trans peer support groups. Logistic regression was used to examine the risk or protective effect of participant characteristics on the odds of suicide. RESULTS Of 928 participants, 85% self-reported a lifetime diagnosis of depression, 63% reported previous self-harm, and 43% had attempted suicide. Higher odds of reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempts were found in people who were; unemployed (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.55 (1.05, 2.29), p = 0.03), had a diagnosis of depression (aOR 3.70 (2.51, 5.45), p < 0.001), desired gender affirming surgery in the future (aOR 1.73 (1.14, 2.61), p = 0.01), had experienced physical assault (aOR 2.01 (1.37, 2.95), p < 0.001) or experienced institutional discrimination related to their trans status (aOR 1.59 (1.14, 2.23), p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Suicidality is associated with barriers to gender affirming care, gender based victimisation and institutionalised cissexism. Interventions to increase social inclusion, reduce transphobia and enable timely access to gender affirming care, particularly surgical interventions, are potential areas of intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sav Zwickl
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Alex Fang Qi Wong
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Eden Dowers
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Shalem Yiner-Lee Leemaqz
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia ,grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Ingrid Bretherton
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia ,grid.410678.cDepartment of Endocrinology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Teddy Cook
- ACON Health, Surry Hills, New South Wales Australia
| | - Jeffrey D. Zajac
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia ,grid.410678.cDepartment of Endocrinology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Paul S. F. Yip
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ada S. Cheung
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XTrans Health Research Group, Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084 Australia ,grid.410678.cDepartment of Endocrinology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Boyer TL, Youk AO, Haas AP, Brown GR, Shipherd JC, Kauth MR, Jasuja GK, Blosnich JR. Suicide, Homicide, and All-Cause Mortality Among Transgender and Cisgender Patients in the Veterans Health Administration. LGBT Health 2021; 8:173-180. [PMID: 33544021 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the differences in suicide, homicide, and all-cause mortality between transgender and cisgender Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients. Methods: VHA electronic medical record data from October 1, 1999 to December 31, 2016 were used to create a sample of transgender and cisgender patients (n = 32,441). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate differences in survival time (date of birth to death date/study end). Death data were from the National Death Index. Results: Transgender patients had more than twofold greater hazard of suicide than cisgender patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.88-4.09), especially among younger (18-39 years) (aHR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.30-8.60) and older (≥65 years) patients (aHR = 9.48, 95% CI = 3.88-23.19). Alternatively, transgender patients had an overall lower hazard of all-cause mortality (aHR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84-0.97) compared with cisgender patients, which was driven by patients 40-64 years old (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.72-0.86) and reversed by those 65 years and older (aHR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03-1.33). Conclusion: Transgender patients' hazard of suicide mortality was significantly greater than that of cisgender VHA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Boyer
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ada O Youk
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ann P Haas
- Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - George R Brown
- Mountain Home VA Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jillian C Shipherd
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael R Kauth
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hughto JMW, Quinn EK, Dunbar MS, Rose AJ, Shireman TI, Jasuja GK. Prevalence and Co-occurrence of Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Substance Use Disorder Diagnoses Among US Transgender and Cisgender Adults. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2036512. [PMID: 33538824 PMCID: PMC7862992 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.36512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Substance use disorders are a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. National data comparing the prevalence of substance use disorder diagnoses (SUDDs) among transgender and cisgender individuals are lacking in the United States. OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of SUDDs among transgender and cisgender adults and to identify within-group and between-group differences by age, gender, and geographic location. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study used the OptumLabs Data Warehouse to analyze deidentified claims from approximately 74 million adults aged 18 years or older enrolled in commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance plans in 2017. A total of 15 637 transgender adults were identified based on a previously developed algorithm using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) transgender-related diagnosis and procedure codes and sex-discordant hormone prescriptions. A cohort of 46 911 cisgender adults was matched to the transgender cohort in a 3:1 ratio based on age and geographic location. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES SUDDs, based on ICD-10 codes, were assessed overall and compared between transgender and cisgender cohorts and by geographic region (ie, Northeast, Midwest, South, and West); age groups (eg, 18-25, 26-30, 31-35 years), and gender (ie, transfeminine [TF; assigned male sex at birth, identify along feminine gender spectrum], transmasculine [TM; assigned female sex at birth, identify along masculine gender spectrum], male, and female). RESULTS In this study of 15 637 transgender adults (4955 [31.7%] TM) and 46 911 cisgender adults (23 247 [50.4%] men), most (8627 transgender adults [55.2%]; 51 762 cisgender adults [55.2%]) were aged between 18 and 40 years, and 6482 transgender adults (41.5%) and 19 446 cisgender adults (41.5%) lived in the South. Comparing transgender to cisgender groups, significant differences were found in the prevalence of a nicotine (2594 [16.6%] vs 2551 [5.4%]; P < .001), alcohol (401 [2.6%] vs 438 [0.9%]; P < .001), and drug (678 [4.3%] vs 549 [1.2%]; P < .001) SUDDs. Among transgender adults, cannabis was the most prevalent drug SUDD (321 [2.1%]), followed by opioid SUDD (205 [1.3%]) and cocaine SUDD (81 [0.5%]), whereas among cisgender adults, cannabis and opioid SUDDs were equally prevalent (cannabis, 186 [0.4%]; opioid, 207 [0.4%]), followed by cocaine SUDD (59 [0.1%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, the prevalence of SUDDs was significantly elevated among transgender adults relative to their cisgender peers. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored clinical interventions to treat substance use disorder in transgender populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M. W. Hughto
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Emily K. Quinn
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Adam J. Rose
- School of Public Health, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Theresa I. Shireman
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
- Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Guneet K. Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- OptumLabs, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Williams EC, Frost MC, Rubinsky AD, Glass JE, Wheat CL, Edmonds AT, Chen JA, Matson TE, Fletcher OV, Lehavot K, Blosnich JR. Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Transgender Patients Receiving Care at the Veterans Health Administration: Overall and Relative to Nontransgender Patients. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2021; 82:132-141. [PMID: 33573731 PMCID: PMC7901266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use is understudied among transgender persons--persons whose sex differs from their gender identity. We compare patterns of alcohol use between Veterans Health Administration (VA) transgender and nontransgender outpatients. METHOD National VA electronic health record data were used to identify all patients' last documented Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screen (October 1, 2009-July 31, 2017). Transgender patients were identified using diagnostic codes. Logistic regression models estimated four past-year primary outcomes: (a) alcohol use (AUDIT-C > 0); (b) unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 5); (c) high-risk alcohol use (AUDIT-C ≥ 8); and (d) heavy episodic drinking (HED; ≥6 drinks on ≥1 occasion). Two secondary diagnostic-based outcomes, alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-specific conditions, were also examined. RESULTS Among 8,872,793 patients, 8,619 (0.10%) were transgender. For transgender patients, unadjusted prevalence estimates were as follows: 52.8% for any alcohol use, 6.6% unhealthy alcohol use, 2.8% high-risk use, 10.4% HED, 8.6% AUD, and 1.3% alcohol-specific conditions. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, transgender patients had lower odds of patient-reported alcohol use but higher odds of alcohol-related diagnoses compared with nontransgender patients. Differences in alcohol-related diagnoses were attenuated after adjustment for comorbid conditions and utilization. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study of patterns of alcohol use among transgender persons and among the first to directly compare patterns to nontransgender persons. Findings suggest nuanced associations with patterns of alcohol use and provide a base for further disparities research to explore alcohol use within the diverse transgender community. Research with self-reported measures of gender identity and sex-at-birth and structured assessment of alcohol use and disorders is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Williams
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Madeline C. Frost
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna D. Rubinsky
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joseph E. Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chelle L. Wheat
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amy T. Edmonds
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jessica A. Chen
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Theresa E. Matson
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olivia V. Fletcher
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - John R. Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prevalence and correlates of substance use among transgender adults: A systematic review. Addict Behav 2020; 111:106544. [PMID: 32717497 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minority stress theories suggest that high rates of discrimination experienced by transgender people are precipitants of substance use. This risk is likely exacerbated by an inadequate provision of trans-inclusive substance misuse services. However, the exclusion of transgender people from the general substance misuse literature makes it difficult to determine the extent to which transgender status influences substance use. A systematic review was undertaken to better understand the prevalence, patterns and correlates of substance use among this group. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidance, a literature search was conducted to 29th May 2019 on PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and Global Health databases. Primary quantitative studies, published in English, that reported the prevalence, patterns or correlates of substance use by transgender people were included, with no restriction on methodological design. RESULTS 653 unique records were identified, and 41 studies were included. Half the studies reported on both transgender men and transgender women and half transgender women only. There was high and excess prevalence of substance use among transgender compared with cisgender people, but insufficient evidence to estimate prevalence or quantify the risk for substance use. Correlates of substance use included transphobic discrimination or violence, unemployment and sex work, gender dysphoria, high visual gender non-conformity and intersectional sexual minority status. CONCLUSIONS The sparse findings lend support to the minority stress model. However, the overreliance of the literature on disproportionate investigation of transgender women with multiple intersectional disadvantages, means there are significant gaps regarding the wider transgender community. To ensure substance use treatment services are inclusive, gender identity should be recorded and targeted interventions available. Clinicians should be aware of the multiple, complex drivers of substance use and be prepared to ask about substance use and offer support. Given the high prevalence of trauma experienced by transgender people, trauma-informed psychosocial interventions may be useful in the management of problematic substance use in transgender adults.
Collapse
|
43
|
Blosnich JR, Montgomery AE, Taylor LD, Dichter ME. Adverse social factors and all-cause mortality among male and female patients receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration. Prev Med 2020; 141:106272. [PMID: 33022319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Social factors account more for health outcomes than medical care, yet health services research in this area is limited due to the lack of social factors data contained within electronic health records (EHR) systems. Few investigations have examined how cumulative burdens of co-occurring adverse social factors impact health outcomes. From 293,872 patients in one region of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we examined how increasing numbers of adverse social factors extracted from the EHR were associated with mortality across a one-year period for male and female patients. Adverse social factors were identified using four sources in the EHR: responses to universal VHA screens, International Classification of Disease (ICD) diagnostic codes that indicate social factors, receipt of VHA services related to social factors, and templated social work referrals. Seven types of adverse social factors were coded: violence, housing instability, employment or financial problems, legal issues, social or familial problems, lack of access to care or transportation, and nonspecific psychosocial needs. Overall, each increase in an adverse social factor was associated with 27% increased odds of mortality, after accounting for demographics, medical comorbidity, and military service-related disability. Non-specific psychosocial factors were most strongly associated with mortality, followed by social or familial problems. Although women were more likely than men to have multiple adverse social factors, social factors were not associated with mortality among women as they were among men. By incorporating social factors data, health care systems can better understand patient all-cause mortality and identify potential prevention efforts built around social determinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America.
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Tampa, FL, United States of America; Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Laura D Taylor
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Social Work Program Office, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Melissa E Dichter
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rich AJ, Scheim AI, Koehoorn M, Poteat T. Non-HIV chronic disease burden among transgender populations globally: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Prev Med Rep 2020; 20:101259. [PMID: 33335828 PMCID: PMC7732872 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic disease is a growing concern for research, policy and clinical care. While the global burden of HIV for transgender populations has been comprehensively covered in recent systematic reviews, the same is not true for the burden of other chronic disease. The objective of this study was to review the literature on non-HIV chronic disease burden for transgender populations worldwide. A systematic review was conducted of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LGBT Life bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed scientific studies with non-HIV chronic disease prevalence data for transgender populations published any date up to February 15, 2019 without restriction on country or study design. A total of 93 studies and 665 datapoints were included in this review, comprising 48 distinct chronic disease outcomes in seven groups (cancer, cerebro/cardiovascular conditions, chronic liver and kidney disease, mental health and substance use conditions, metabolic and endocrine disorders, musculoskeletal and brain disorders, respiratory conditions, and unspecified and other conditions). The empirical literature on chronic disease among global transgender populations focuses on mental health morbidity, demonstrating an evidence gap on chronic physical health morbidity, particularly beyond that of sexual health. This review identified important gaps including in age-related conditions, inflammation-related disease and studies designed explicitly to investigate chronic disease burden among transgender populations. There is a need for high quality evidence in this area, including longitudinal population-based studies with appropriate comparison groups, and consistent measurement of both transgender status and chronic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh J. Rich
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ayden I. Scheim
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mieke Koehoorn
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mak J, Shires DA, Zhang Q, Prieto LR, Ahmedani BK, Kattari L, Becerra-Culqui TA, Bradlyn A, Flanders WD, Getahun D, Giammattei SV, Hunkeler EM, Lash TL, Nash R, Quinn VP, Robinson B, Roblin D, Silverberg MJ, Slovis J, Tangpricha V, Vupputuri S, Goodman M. Suicide Attempts Among a Cohort of Transgender and Gender Diverse People. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:570-577. [PMID: 32798005 PMCID: PMC7508867 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender and gender diverse people often face discrimination and may experience disproportionate emotional distress that leads to suicide attempts. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the frequency and potential determinants of suicide attempts among transgender and gender diverse individuals. METHODS Longitudinal data on 6,327 transgender and gender diverse individuals enrolled in 3 integrated healthcare systems were analyzed to assess suicide attempt rates. Incidence was compared between transmasculine and transfeminine people by age and race/ethnicity and according to mental health status at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models examined rates and predictors of suicide attempts during follow-up. Data were collected in 2016, and analyses were conducted in 2019. RESULTS During follow-up, 4.8% of transmasculine and 3.0% of transfeminine patients had at least 1 suicide attempt. Suicide attempt rates were more than 7 times higher among patients aged <18 years than among those aged >45 years, more than 3 times higher among patients with previous history of suicide ideation or suicide attempts than among those with no such history, and 2-5 times higher among those with 1-2 mental health diagnoses and more than 2 mental health diagnoses at baseline than among those with none. CONCLUSIONS Among transgender and gender diverse individuals, younger people, people with previous suicidal ideation or attempts, and people with multiple mental health diagnoses are at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Future research should examine the impact of gender-affirming healthcare use on the risk of suicide attempts and identify targets for suicide prevention interventions among transgender and gender diverse people in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Mak
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Deirdre A Shires
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lucas R Prieto
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Brian K Ahmedani
- Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Leonardo Kattari
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Tracy A Becerra-Culqui
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Andrew Bradlyn
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - W Dana Flanders
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Shawn V Giammattei
- The Rockway Institute, Alliant International University, San Francisco, California
| | - Enid M Hunkeler
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California (emerita), Oakland, California
| | - Timothy L Lash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca Nash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Virginia P Quinn
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California (emerita), Pasadena, California
| | - Brandi Robinson
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Douglas Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlanta States, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Michael J Silverberg
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Jennifer Slovis
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; The Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suma Vupputuri
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlanta States, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Michael Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Blosnich JR, Montgomery AE, Dichter ME, Gordon AJ, Kavalieratos D, Taylor L, Ketterer B, Bossarte RM. Social Determinants and Military Veterans' Suicide Ideation and Attempt: a Cross-sectional Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:1759-1767. [PMID: 31745856 PMCID: PMC7280399 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care systems struggle to identify risk factors for suicide. Adverse social determinants of health (SDH) are strong predictors of suicide risk, but most electronic health records (EHR) do not include SDH data. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of SDH documentation in the EHR and how SDH are associated with suicide ideation and attempt. DESIGN This cross-sectional analysis included EHR data spanning October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016, from the Veterans Integrated Service Network Region 4. PARTICIPANTS The study included all patients with at least one inpatient or outpatient visit (n = 293,872). MAIN MEASUREMENTS Adverse SDH, operationalized using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) coding for services and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 codes, encompassed seven types (violence, housing instability, financial/employment problems, legal problems, familial/social problems, lack of access to care/transportation, and nonspecific psychosocial needs). We defined suicide morbidity by ICD-10 codes and data from the VHA's Suicide Prevention Applications Network. Logistic regression assessed associations of SDH with suicide morbidity, adjusting for socio-demographics and mental health diagnoses (e.g., major depression). Statistical significance was assessed with p < .01. KEY RESULTS Overall, 16.4% of patients had at least one adverse SDH indicator. Adverse SDH exhibited dose-response-like associations with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt: each additional adverse SDH increased odds of suicidal ideation by 67% (AOR = 1.67, 99%CI = 1.60-1.75; p < .01) and suicide attempt by 49% (AOR = 1.49, 99%CI = 1.33-1.68; p < .01). Independently, each adverse SDH had strong effect sizes, ranging from 1.86 (99%CI = 1.58-2.19; p < .01) for legal issues to 3.10 (99%CI = 2.74-3.50; p < .01) for non-specific psychosocial needs in models assessing suicidal ideation and from 1.58 (99%CI = 1.10-2.27; p < .01) for employment/financial problems to 2.90 (99%CI = 2.30-4.16; p < .01) for violence in models assessing suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS SDH were strongly associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt even after adjusting for mental health diagnoses. Integration of SDH data in EHR could improve suicide prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Blosnich
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, University Drive C (151C-U), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Tampa, FL, USA
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Melissa E Dichter
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, University Drive C (151C-U), Building 30, Pittsburgh, PA, 15240-1001, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Taylor
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Care Management and Social Work, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bryan Ketterer
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA
| | - Robert M Bossarte
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA
- Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Progovac AM, Mullin BO, Dunham E, Reisner SL, McDowell A, Sanchez Roman MJ, Dunn M, Telingator CJ, Lu FQ, Breslow AS, Forstein M, Cook BL. Disparities in Suicidality by Gender Identity Among Medicare Beneficiaries. Am J Prev Med 2020; 58:789-798. [PMID: 32156489 PMCID: PMC7246148 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicidality is higher for gender minorities than the general population, yet little is known about suicidality in disabled or older adult gender minorities. METHODS This study used 2009-2014 Medicare claims to identify people with gender identity-related diagnosis codes (disabled, n=6,678; older adult, n=2,018) and compared their prevalence of suicidality with a 5% random non-gender minority beneficiary sample (disabled, n=535,801; older adult, n=1,700,008). Correlates of suicidality were assessed (via chi-square) for each of the 4 participant groups separately, and then disparities within eligibility status (disabled or older adult) were assessed using logistic regression models, adjusting first for age and mental health chronic conditions and then additionally for Medicaid eligibility, race/ethnicity, or U.S. region (each separately). The primary hypotheses were that gender minority beneficiaries would have higher suicidality but that suicidality disparities would persist after adjusting for covariates. Data were analyzed between 2017 and 2019. RESULTS Gender minority beneficiaries had higher unadjusted suicidality than non-gender minority beneficiaries in the disabled cohort (18.5% vs 7.1%, p<0.001). Significant suicidality predictors in all 4 groups included the following: age (except in older adult gender minorities), Medicaid eligibility, depression or behavioral health conditions, avoidable hospitalizations, and violence victimization. In age- and mental health-adjusted logistic regression models, gender minorities had higher odds of suicidality than non-gender minority beneficiaries (disabled, OR=1.95, p<0.0001; older adult, OR=2.10, p<0.0001). Disparities were not attenuated after adjusting for Medicaid eligibility, race/ethnicity, or region. CONCLUSIONS Heightened suicidality among identified gender minority Medicare beneficiaries highlights a pressing need to identify and reduce barriers to wellness in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Progovac
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Brian O Mullin
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Emilia Dunham
- Office of Behavioral Health, MassHealth, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex McDowell
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Jose Sanchez Roman
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Cynthia J Telingator
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Frederick Q Lu
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron Samuel Breslow
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; PRIME Center for Health Equity, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Marshall Forstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin Lê Cook
- Health Equity Research Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; PRIME Center for Health Equity, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Social Risks Among Primary Care Patients in a Large Urban Health System. Am J Prev Med 2020; 58:514-525. [PMID: 32199514 PMCID: PMC7362999 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health systems are increasingly interested in addressing the social determinants of health via social risk screening. The objective of this study is to understand the variability in the number and types of social risks overall and in population subgroups among primary care patients routinely screened in a large urban health system. METHODS Between April and December 2018, a total of 24,633 primary care patients completed a 10-item screener across 19 ambulatory sites within a health system in the Bronx, NY. The prevalence of any social risk and specific social risks was estimated overall and for population subgroups. Wald tests were used to determine statistically significant differences by subgroup. Data were analyzed in winter/spring 2019. RESULTS Twenty percent of patients presented with at least 1 social risk. The most frequently reported risks included housing quality (6.5%) and food insecurity (6.1%). Middle-aged (30-59 years) respondents (24.7%, 95% CI=23.6%, 25.7%) compared with those aged 18-29 years (17.7%, 95% CI=16.4%, 19.2%, p<0.001), and Medicaid patients (24.8%, 95% CI=24.0%, 25.5%) compared with commercially insured patients (11.8%, 95% CI=11.1%, 12.5%, p<0.001), were more likely to report social risks. The strongest predictor of housing quality risk was residing in public housing (15.1%, 95% CI=13.8%, 16.6%) compared with those not in public housing (5.6%, 95% CI=5.3%, 5.9%, p<0.001). Housing quality was the most frequently reported risk for children (aged <18 years) and older adults (aged ≥70 years), whereas, for middle-aged respondents (30-69 years), it was food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS There are important differences in the prevalence of overall and individual social risks by subgroup. These findings should be considered to inform clinical care and social risk screening and interventions.
Collapse
|
49
|
Henderson ER, Jabson J, Russomanno J, Paglisotti T, Blosnich JR. Housing and food stress among transgender adults in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2019; 38:42-47. [PMID: 31526508 PMCID: PMC6812620 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to assess housing and food-related stress in transgender and cisgender adults in the United States. METHODS Data from the 2014 and 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed for 53,060 adults who responded to the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity module and the Social Context module. We used multiple logistic regression to assess the association of gender identity with housing and food-related stress. RESULTS There were no significant differences by gender identity in the odds of experiencing housing or food-related stress. A sensitivity analysis revealed that with a broader definition of food-related stress, transgender individuals had higher odds of experiencing food-related stress compared with cisgender individuals. The sample of transgender individuals who experienced food-related stress were young, single, racially diverse, sexual minorities, and the majority had a high school degree or less. Similarly, most transgender individuals who experienced housing-related stress were single, sexual minorities, and had a high school degree or less. CONCLUSIONS More precise assessments of housing and food insecurity among probability-based samples of transgender individuals are needed to fully understand housing and food-related instability and the stress associated with these experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmett R Henderson
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Jennifer Jabson
- Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
| | | | - Taylor Paglisotti
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John R Blosnich
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C (151C-U) Pittsburgh, PA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kidd JD, Levin FR, Dolezal C, Hughes TL, Bockting WO. Understanding predictors of improvement in risky drinking in a U.S. multi-site, longitudinal cohort study of transgender individuals: Implications for culturally-tailored prevention and treatment efforts. Addict Behav 2019; 96:68-75. [PMID: 31039507 PMCID: PMC6571154 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While transgender people report higher rates of risky drinking than the general population, no studies have examined transgender alcohol use longitudinally. This study investigated minority stress and identity development predictors of improvement in risky drinking among transgender individuals. METHODS Data come from a multi-site, longitudinal cohort study of U.S. transgender individuals (N = 330) and include measures of enacted stigma, felt stigma, identity development, and risky alcohol use. Theory-driven, hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the hypothesis that minority stress and identity development factors are related to improvement in risky drinking between baseline and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS Baseline risky drinkers (n = 106; 37.1%) were younger and more likely to have female sex assigned at birth. At 1-year follow-up, 68 baseline risky drinkers (64.2%) reported persistent risky drinking, while 38 (35.8%) reported improved drinking. Controlling for demographics and study site, female sex assigned at birth and enacted stigma were associated with lower odds of improved drinking. Non-white/Hispanic race/ethnicity, felt stigma, change in gender role/expression for 1-5 years, and diffuse-avoidant identity style were associated with higher odds of improvement. CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE This is the first study to identity predictors of improvement in risky drinking among transgender individuals. Compared to trans-feminine individuals (assigned male at birth), trans-masculine individuals (assigned female at birth) were more likely to report risky drinking at baseline and had lower odds of improvement at 1-year follow-up. Improved drinking may be facilitated by preventing anti-transgender discrimination. Felt stigma and diffuse-avoidant identity style may lower alcohol risk via avoidance of drinking venues. Further research is needed to explicate these relationships and to inform culturally-tailored alcohol interventions for this at-risk population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Kidd
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Frances R Levin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Walter O Bockting
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|