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Gerk A, Telles L, Carroll M, do Nascimento MEDFM, Bispo RG, de Oliveira BFS, Mendes S, Guerreiro SNF, Naus A, Camargo CP. Use of industrial liquid silicone: a scoping review. Acta Cir Bras 2024; 39:e395624. [PMID: 39383418 PMCID: PMC11457952 DOI: 10.1590/acb395624] [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] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Illicit cosmetic injections remain highly prevalent and can cause serious complications, including death. We aimed to explore existing literature regarding the use of illicit cosmetic injections globally. METHODS We searched six databases with no language restriction from inception to 2022. We included all articles focused on adult patients of any gender who received any illicit cosmetic injection. Screening and data extraction followed standards from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. RESULTS After screening 629 abstracts and 193 full texts, 142 citations were included. We identified articles from 28 countries and three multi-country studies. Most were from high-income (75.3%) and upper-middle-income countries (21.8%). Of all patients whose gender identity was described, 49.9% were transgender women, and 40.8% were cisgender women. The anatomic regions most frequently injected were the buttocks (35%) and the breast (13.3%). The most frequently described complications were granuloma (41.5%), dermatological problems (41.5%), infection (35.9%), and pulmonary complications (34.5%). CONCLUSIONS We observed the impact of illicit silicone injections, particularly on cisgender women and transgender individuals. Existing barriers must be addressed, including healthcare prejudice and inadequate knowledge about care for gender minorities. This will require educating at-risk groups and enhancing policies to regulate these procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Gerk
- Harvard Medical School – Program in Global Surgery and Social Change – Boston (MA) – United States of America
- McGill University – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Montreal (QC) – Canada
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery – Boston (MA) – United States of America
| | - Luiza Telles
- Instituto de Educação Médica – Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Brazil
| | - Madeleine Carroll
- Harvard Medical School – Program in Global Surgery and Social Change – Boston (MA) – United States of America
| | | | - Rafaela Góes Bispo
- Universidade Federal da Bahia – Faculdade de Medicina – Salvador (BA) – Brazil
| | | | - Saulo Mendes
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba – João Pessoa (PB) – Brazil
| | | | - Abbie Naus
- Harvard Medical School – Program in Global Surgery and Social Change – Boston (MA) – United States of America
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Fowler JA, Warzywoda S, Franks N, Mendis M, Lazarou M, Bisshop F, Wood P, Dean JA. Highs, Lows, and Hormones: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Transgender Individuals' Experiences Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024; 71:1652-1683. [PMID: 36884002 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2186759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) is a key therapeutic approach which aims to help trans and gender diverse (or simply "trans") individuals' transition from their sex-presumed-at-birth to their experienced gender identity. Previous reviews have focused on synthesizing quantitative experiences; however, a qualitative lens is important to understand the personal journey of GAHT. This review provides a qualitative meta-synthesis of the experiences of trans people around the world who have undergone GAHT to elicit contextualized understanding of the changes experienced. Systematic searches of eight databases identified an initial 2670 papers, refined to a final 28 papers. Overall, findings suggested that the GAHT journey is unique and elicited a myriad of changes which, whilst challenging at times, were life-changing and brought about positive psychological, physical, and social changes. Other themes explored GAHT not being treated as a fix-all for associated mental health issues, the rules that govern appraisal of physical changes, how privilege and social identity evolve, and the power of affirmation. This work offers important recommendations to improve the care offered to trans people undergoing GAHT. Namely, person-centered support is essential, and peer-navigation may be a useful future direction to explore.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Fowler
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Warzywoda
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nia Franks
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, Centre for Health Research, Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marini Mendis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mattea Lazarou
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Bisshop
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Penny Wood
- Alexander Heights Family Practice, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ortiz-Ramos KJ, Ramírez-Oliver A, Cárdenas-Suárez N, García-Rivera EJ, Romaguera J. Exploring the knowledge and attitudes of college-educated Hispanics toward the transgender community in Puerto Rico. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 165:1237-1243. [PMID: 38186370 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15345] [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] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of a sample of Hispanics in Puerto Rico (PR) toward the transgender community. METHODS A cross-sectional study addressing Hispanics, aged 21 years or older who lived in PR, was performed from March to September 2021. Participants were invited through online advertisement shared on social media pages. Data were collected via SurveyMonkey and analyzed with Stata 17. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize findings. RESULTS A total of 404 participants were sampled. Most were female, 278 (68.8%), had completed at least a bachelor's degree, 292 (72.2%), and referred exposure to trans-related topics during education, 237 (58.7%). Most correctly defined the terms sex, 257 (63.6%), sexual orientation, 334 (82.7%) and transgenderism, 297 (73.5%). The majority also agreed that transgender individuals should be able to change their name, 353 (93.6%) and undergo gender-affirming procedures, 335 (88.9%). Most also believed trans individuals were a valuable part of society, 339 (89.9%) and should be allowed free gender expression, 358 (95.0%). CONCLUSIONS PR is characterized by a patriarchal, religious, and conservative culture which could promote a negative attitude toward transgender people. Our findings challenged such assumption. The level of knowledge and positive attitude toward trans individuals identified in this study could counteract the existing violence and stigma affecting this community in PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Ortiz-Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Natalia Cárdenas-Suárez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Enid J García-Rivera
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Endowed Health Services Research Center and Faculty at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Josefina Romaguera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Surgical Treatment of Granulomatous Breast Deformities Caused by Injection of Foreign Substances in Transgender Women: A Case Series and Algorithm. Plast Reconstr Surg 2022; 149:1312-1316. [PMID: 35349530 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000009092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Despite potentially devastating complications, free foreign substance injections for feminizing breast augmentation remain common among transgender women. To date, the literature regarding surgical treatment of these deformities among transgender women remains limited. The authors present a case series of transgender women presenting for surgical management of granulomatous breast deformities secondary to free foreign substance injections between January of 2016 and February of 2020. Seven transgender women presented for surgical management of complications secondary to free foreign substance injections of the breast. These patients ranged in age from 29 to 53 years, all identified as Hispanic/Latinx, and five were primarily Spanish speakers. All were recipients of public insurance. Six of the seven patients received free foreign substance injections outside of the United States, with an average time from initial injections to presentation of 19.3 ± 15.7 years. Three patients presented with a history of prior revisions by other surgeons. Four underwent staged reconstruction at the authors' institutions. Patients were followed for, on average, 10.7 ± 12.6 months after their initial surgery. There were no major complications. The most common minor complication was delayed wound healing. In the present series, the authors illustrate that, with careful consideration and patient selection, it is possible to perform safe and successful breast reconstruction for the management of foreign substance granulomas in transgender women. They also provide an algorithm based on patient-specific factors to guide treatment decisions in this patient population. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability and applicability of this algorithm. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.
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Hwahng SJ, Allen B, Zadoretzky C, Barber Doucet H, McKnight C, Des Jarlais D. Thick trust, thin trust, social capital, and health outcomes among trans women of color in New York City. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2021; 23:214-231. [PMID: 35403110 PMCID: PMC8986172 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.1889427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Many trans women of color communities experience high HIV seroprevalence, extreme poverty, high rates of victimization and substance use, and poor mental health. Greater knowledge of trans women of color social capital may contribute toward more effective services for this marginalized population. Methods: These data come from a mixed-methods study that examined trans/gender-variant people of color who attended transgender support groups at harm reduction programs in NYC. The study was conducted from 2011 to 12, total N = 34. The qualitative portion was derived from six focus group interviews. Results: Two support groups stood out as exhibiting very strong alternative kinship structures. One group was comprised of immigrant trans Latinas, and the other group were trans women of African descent living with HIV. Both groups demonstrated ample cultivation of "trust capital" in the form of "thick trust" (bonding capital) and "thin trust" (bridging/linking capital) both inside and outside/beyond the support groups. Thick trust included the cultivation of intimacy, support in primary romantic relationships, and community leadership. Thin trust included networking with a variety of organizations, increased educational opportunities, and cultural production. Discussion: Participants "opened up to social capital" through the process of trusting as a series of (1) risks; (2) vulnerabilities; and (3) reciprocities. A solid foundation of thick trust resulted in a social, psychological, and emotional "base." Upon this foundation, thin trust was operationalized resulting in positive material, economic, and quality-of-life outcomes, leading to an expanded space of capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sel J. Hwahng
- Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bennett Allen
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cathy Zadoretzky
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hannah Barber Doucet
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Courtney McKnight
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Sergi FD, Wilson EC. Filler Use Among Trans Women: Correlates of Feminizing Subcutaneous Injections and Their Health Consequences. Transgend Health 2021; 6:82-90. [PMID: 33937525 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Subcutaneous injections, or "fillers," are used illicitly and in large quantities by trans women for feminization. They are associated with severe complications, but data on their use are limited, especially in places with widespread access to safe gender-affirming care. Our analysis seeks to assess the prevalence, correlates, and complications of filler use to inform prevention and treatment. Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the Trans* National Study conducted from May 2016 to December 2017 of 631 adult trans women in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Results: Around 65/631 participants (10.3%) reported filler use. Filler use was highest among Latinas (21.3% vs. 3.8% among whites, p<0.001), high school graduates (22.6% vs. 1.7% among college graduates, p<0.001), and those with a history of being undocumented (31.7% vs. 16.3% among documented immigrants and 6.4% among U.S. natives, p<0.001). Filler users had higher odds of engaging in sex work ever (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, p<0.001) and in the last 6 months (OR 2.00, p=0.049). The majority of filler users (78.5%) reported a physical complication, including infectious and inflammatory responses, coagulopathies, and neuropathies. Conclusion: Filler use was high among participants, despite availability of gender-affirming care and prevalence of complications. Filler use was highest among those with social, economic, and political vulnerabilities. Thus, filler use might be associated with structural factors that reduce access to safer methods of feminization. Addressing these factors, increasing access to safe gender-affirming care, and developing protocols for filler-related complications are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D Sergi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erin C Wilson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, USA
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Padilla M, Rodríguez-Madera S. Embodiment, Gender Transitioning, and Necropolitics among Transwomen in Puerto Rico. CURRENT ANTHROPOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1086/711621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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DuBois LZ, Gibb JK, Juster RP, Powers SI. Biocultural approaches to transgender and gender diverse experience and health: Integrating biomarkers and advancing gender/sex research. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23555. [PMID: 33340194 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are increasingly visible in U.S. communities and in national media. With this increased visibility, access to gender affirming healthcare is also on the rise, particularly for urban youth. Political backlash and entrenchment in a gender binary, however, continue to marginalize TGD people, increasing risk for health disparities. The 2016 National Institute of Health recognition of sexual and gender minority people as a health disparities population increases available funding for much-needed research. In this article, we speak to the need for a biocultural human biology of gender/sex diversity by delineating factors that influence physiological functioning, mental health, and physical health of TGD people. We propose that many of these factors can best be investigated with minimally invasively collected biomarker samples (MICBS) and discuss how to integrate MICBS into research inclusive of TGD people. Research use of MICBS among TGD people remains limited, and wider use could enable essential biological and health data to be collected from a population often excluded from research. We provide a broad overview of terminology and current literature, point to key research questions, and address potential challenges researchers might face when aiming to integrate MCIBS in research inclusive of transgender and gender diverse people. We argue that, when used effectively, MICBS can enhance human biologists' ability to empirically measure physiology and health-related outcomes and enable more accurate identification of pathways linking human experience, embodiment, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zachary DuBois
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - James K Gibb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sally I Powers
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Ramos-Pibernus AG, Rivera-Segarra ER, Rodríguez-Madera SL, Varas-Díaz N, Padilla M. Stigmatizing Experiences of Trans Men in Puerto Rico: Implications for Health. Transgend Health 2020; 5:234-240. [PMID: 33381650 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The past decade has seen an increase in efforts aimed at understanding the health needs of the transgender population. In the context of Puerto Rico (PR), those efforts have primarily focused on trans women due to their high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence. However, due to the low impact of the HIV epidemic among trans men, this remains an understudied population in PR. Thus, it is important that research efforts ad- dress the health care needs of trans men in a range of cultural settings, including PR. Recent literature emphasizes the role of stigmatization as a social determinant associated with deleterious health consequences for diverse groups. Despite this worrisome scenario, little is known about how trans men in PR experience and are negatively impacted by social stigma. The objective of this study was to document the stigmatization experiences faced by trans men in PR and its impact on their overall health. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 29 trans men. We implemented focus groups and in-depth qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis guided our interpretation of the findings. Results: Three categories of stigma are discussed: (1) structural stigmatization, (2) interpersonal stigmatization, and (3) individual stigmatization. The health implications of these stigma experiences are discussed. Conclusion: This study represents an initial step toward understanding the social context of this "invisible" community and its health and well-being. We provide recommendations to address social and health concerns related to this understudied community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliut R Rivera-Segarra
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Nelson Varas-Díaz
- Global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark Padilla
- Global and Sociocultural Studies, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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10
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Alpert A, Cicero E. Removing barriers to health care for transgender people with and without cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2020.100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Martinez-Velez JJ, Melin K, Rodriguez-Diaz CE. A Preliminary Assessment of Selected Social Determinants of Health in a Sample of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals in Puerto Rico. Transgend Health 2019; 4:9-17. [PMID: 30719502 PMCID: PMC6360392 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2018.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) people continue to experience suboptimal health care, social exclusion, and lower quality of life. Globally, lack of access to services, institutional violence, and public harassment have been reported. However, there is limited data on transgender health in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The purpose of this study is to assess the social determinants of health and wellbeing of transgender and GNC people living in Puerto Rico. Methods: Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, 52 self-identified transgender and GNC individuals living in Puerto Rico completed a survey, which included questions on access to health care services, social support, and violence, among others. Data were collected from March to Ma y of 2015 and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Results: Most of the participants reported experiences of discrimination across multiple social settings, most commonly at school (70.6%) and work (67.4%). Regarding experiences of violence, more than half (65.4%) had been verbally attacked in a public space. Many reported that access to gender-affirming health care services is difficult in Puerto Rico (88.5%) due to lack of knowledgeable providers (59.6%) and discomfort during the encounter (55.8%). The main perceived priority for their wellbeing was a transgender health care center. Conclusion: Although the LGBT equality movement has reached great milestones, access to gender-affirming health services and safe educational and work spaces are still needed. Findings from the study provide guidance for actions to reduce health disparities by addressing the needs for health and wellbeing among transgender and GNC individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J. Martinez-Velez
- University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, School of Public Health, Center for Sociomedical Research and Evaluation, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Kyle Melin
- University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz
- University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, School of Public Health, Center for Sociomedical Research and Evaluation, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Washington, District of Columbia
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12
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Madera SL, Díaz NV, Padilla M, Pibernus XR, Neilands TB, Segarra ER, Velázquez CM, Bockting W. "Just Like Any Other Patient": Transgender Stigma among Physicians in Puerto Rico. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2019; 30:1518-1542. [PMID: 31680112 PMCID: PMC7233420 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2019.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TW) in Puerto Rico (PR) face social stigmatization. Physicians' transgender stigma can have detrimental consequences for TW's health. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to document physicians' knowledge, competencies, and attitudes towards TW in PR and study their associations with stigma towards TW. METHODS We implemented an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study. We used in-depth interviews (n=30) and self-administered questionnaire (n=255). RESULTS Qualitative results illustrated lack of recognition of the needs of TW; they also evidenced the impact of stigmatizing attitudes on clinical decisions. Quantitative results showed that more willingness and knowledge to provide health services to TW were negatively associated with stigma. Participants who reported history of training in working with TW presented significantly less stigma than participants who had not received such training. CONCLUSION In order to provide stigma-free services for TW in PR, specialized training regarding the particular needs of this population is needed.
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Hwahng SJ, Allen B, Zadoretzky C, Barber H, McKnight C, Des Jarlais D. Alternative kinship structures, resilience and social support among immigrant trans Latinas in the USA. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:1-15. [PMID: 29658825 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1440323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Latinas comprise the largest racial/ethnic group of trans women (male-to-female transgender people) in New York City, where HIV seroprevalence among trans Latinas has been found to be as high as 49%. Despite this population's high risk of HIV, little is known about resilience among trans Latinas that may provide protective health factors. Six focus groups and one in-depth interview were conducted with 34 low-income trans/gender-variant people of colour who attended transgender support groups at harm reduction programmes in New York City. This paper reports on data from 13 participants who identified as immigrant trans Latinas. Focus groups were coded and analysed using thematic qualitative methods. The majority of immigrants were undocumented but reported having robust social support. Unique characteristics of immigrant trans Latinas included alternative kinship structures and sources of income. Social creativity was used to develop achievable ways in which to improve their health outcomes. Resilience was evident in informal kinship dynamics, formal support groups, gender-transition, educational access and skills training and substance use reduction. Individual-level resilience increased as a result of strong community-level resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sel J Hwahng
- a Department of Psychiatry , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Bennett Allen
- a Department of Psychiatry , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Cathy Zadoretzky
- a Department of Psychiatry , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Hannah Barber
- b Department of Medicine , Children's Hospital Boston , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Courtney McKnight
- a Department of Psychiatry , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- a Department of Psychiatry , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
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