Howell JD, Maguire R. Factors Associated with Experiences of Gender-Affirming Health Care: A Systematic Review.
Transgend Health 2023;
8:22-44. [PMID:
36895311 PMCID:
PMC9991448 DOI:
10.1089/trgh.2021.0033]
[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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Transgender people often pursue gender-affirming health care (GAH), such as hormone therapy and/or surgeries. While research has begun to explore influences on general health care for transgender individuals, less is known about the experiences of GAH specifically. We aimed to systematically review the factors associated with experiences of GAH.
Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant literature using a predetermined search strategy. Studies were screened by two researchers to determine whether they fit the inclusion criteria. Following quality appraisal and data extraction, results were thematically analyzed.
Results
Thirty-eight studies were included in the review. Factors associated with experiences of GAH were broadly categorized as follows: (i) sociodemographic factors, (ii) treatment-related factors, (iii) psychosocial factors, and (iv) health care interactions, with health care interactions, in particular, being strong determinants of experience.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that experiences of GAH may be determined by a number of diverse factors, which have implications for understanding how to better support those undergoing transition. In particular, health care professionals play a key role in determining how transgender people experience treatment, which should be considered when providing care for this population.
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