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Mereish EH, Abramson JR, Lee H, Watson RJ. Intersectional Oppression-Based Stress, Drinking to Cope Motives, and Alcohol Use and Hazardous Drinking Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Who Are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. LGBT Health 2024. [PMID: 38973422 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2024.0023] [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: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the associations between intersectional oppression-based stress and recent alcohol use and hazardous drinking among sexual and gender minority (SGM; e.g., queer or transgender) adolescents who were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), also known as queer and transgender BIPOC (QTBIPOC) adolescents, and the mediating role of coping motives (i.e., drinking to cope) on these associations. Methods: Data were from a subsample of QTBIPOC adolescents who used alcohol in the past year (n = 1365) from a national U.S. sample of SGM adolescents aged 13-18 years. Results: Intersectional oppression-based stressors were associated with greater odds of recent alcohol use and hazardous drinking, as well as greater coping motives. Coping motives mediated the associations between intersectional-based stressors and both recent alcohol use and hazardous drinking among the aggregate sample of QTBIPOC adolescents, as well as among some subgroups of BIPOC adolescents. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight that intersectional oppression-based stressors are prevalent among QTBIPOC adolescents and serve as a risk factor for alcohol use and hazardous drinking. Multilevel interventions are needed to target and dismantle intersectional oppressions to address alcohol inequities impacting QTBIPOC adolescents. Drinking to cope motives mediated the associations between intersectional oppression-based stress and drinking outcomes, underscoring another important mechanism to target within a context of oppression in drinking interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan H Mereish
- Lavender Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica R Abramson
- Lavender Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Hyemin Lee
- Lavender Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development And Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Klein H, Washington TA. The Relationship of Anti-Transgender Discrimination, Harassment, and Violence to Binge Drinking among Transgender Adults. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:583-590. [PMID: 38105183 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2293731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Using a minority stress paradigm, this paper examines the relationship between anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, and violence among transgender adults. Methods: Data from the 2015 U.S. National Transgender Survey were used to examine twenty types of anti-transgender experiences/problems (e.g., harassment at work, problems with police officials, verbal and physical assaults) in a sample of 27,715 transgender Americans aged 18 or older. Binge drinking during the previous month was the dependent variable, and eight control measures were examined in the multivariate analysis. Results: Experiencing any of the twenty types of anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, or violence increased the odds of binge drinking by 48%. Experiencing many such problems increased the odds of binge drinking by 104%. Multivariate analysis showed that anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, and violence remains a predictor of binge drinking even when other key measures are taken into account. Younger people, racial minority group members, and persons who were not married or "involved" were at particularly great risk. Conclusions: Consistent with the minority stress paradigm, the more different types of anti-transgender experiences people had, the more likely they were to engage in binge drinking. Targeted intervention needs to help transgender persons to avoid anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, and violence to the greatest extent possible, and to develop resiliency skills whenever they are victimized. This is particularly true for transgender persons who are younger, minority, and not "involved" in a relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- School of Social Work, California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Thomas Alex Washington
- School of Social Work, California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
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Veldhuis CB, Kreski NT, Usseglio J, Keyes KM. Are Cisgender Women and Transgender and Nonbinary People Drinking More During the COVID-19 Pandemic? It Depends. Alcohol Res 2023; 43:05. [PMID: 38170029 PMCID: PMC10760999 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v43.1.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This narrative review of research conducted during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic examines whether alcohol use among cisgender women and transgender and nonbinary people increased during the pandemic. The overarching goal of the review is to inform intervention and prevention efforts to halt the narrowing of gender-related differences in alcohol use. SEARCH METHODS Eight databases (PubMed, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Gender Studies Database, GenderWatch, and Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed literature, published between March 2020 and July 2022, that reported gender differences or findings specific to women, transgender or nonbinary people, and alcohol use during the pandemic. The search focused on studies conducted in the United States and excluded qualitative research. SEARCH RESULTS A total 4,132 records were identified, including 400 duplicates. Of the remaining 3,732 unique records for consideration in the review, 51 were ultimately included. Overall, most studies found increases in alcohol use as well as gender differences in alcohol use, with cisgender women experiencing the most serious consequences. The findings for transgender and nonbinary people were equivocal due to the dearth of research and because many studies aggregated across gender. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use by cisgender women seems to have increased during the pandemic; however, sizable limitations need to be considered, particularly the low number of studies on alcohol use during the pandemic that analyzed gender differences. This is of concern as gender differences in alcohol use had been narrowing before the pandemic; and this review suggests the gap has narrowed even further. Cisgender women and transgender and nonbinary people have experienced sizable stressors during the pandemic; thus, understanding the health and health behavior impacts of these stressors is critical to preventing the worsening of problematic alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy B Veldhuis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Noah T Kreski
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - John Usseglio
- Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Lindley L, Bauerband L. The Mediating Role of Avoidant and Facilitative Coping on the Relation Between Discrimination and Alcohol Use Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals. Transgend Health 2023; 8:500-508. [PMID: 38130979 PMCID: PMC10732159 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2021.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The motivational model of alcohol use indicates that there is a relation between chronic stress and alcohol use, and that this relation is mediated by substance use to cope. However, this model has not been applied to the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. In response, this study investigated whether facilitative (e.g., active and interpersonal coping) and avoidant (e.g., cognitive avoidance and substance use to cope) coping mediate the relation between discrimination and alcohol use. Methods Participants include 496 TGD individuals (97 trans women, 126 trans men, and 273 nonbinary), 18-68 years of age (mean=32.09 and standard deviation=12.47), who completed a survey about health behaviors and stress. An exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) were conducted to determine the coping patterns of TGD individuals and multiple mediation analyses were conducted to examine whether distinct coping strategies mediated the relation between discrimination and alcohol use. Results Both facilitative and avoidant coping strategies were significantly related to discrimination; however, only active coping and substance use to cope were related to alcohol use. Mediation results showed that substance use to cope (i.e., an avoidant coping strategy) was the only significant mediator. Descriptive results showed nonsignificant differences between TGD gender identities regarding levels of alcohol use and engagement with coping strategies. Conclusion The results indicate a clear need for interventions to reduce utilization of avoidant coping strategies among TGD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lindley
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Loren Bauerband
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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5
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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.
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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
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Puckett JA, Veldhuis CB, Gilbert PA, Anderson-Carpenter KD, Mustanski B, Newcomb ME. Differential associations between enacted and expected stigma with psychological distress, alcohol use, and substance use in transgender and gender diverse people. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109921. [PMID: 37245417 PMCID: PMC10439682 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109921] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience high rates of stigma and marginalization that are theorized to exacerbate substance use and psychological distress. However, little research has examined the role of various minority stressors in relation to substance use in TGD populations. METHODS In this sample of 181 TGD individuals in the U.S. who reported substance use or binge drinking over the past month (M age = 25.6; SD = 5.6), we evaluated whether enacted stigma predicted alcohol use, substance use, and psychological distress. RESULTS Participants endorsed a high rate of exposure to enacted stigma over the past 6 months (e.g., 52% had been verbally insulted). Furthermore, 27.8% of the sample was classified as having moderate or higher severity drug use, and 35.4% were classified as having hazardous drinking levels. We found that enacted stigma was significantly related to moderate-high drug use and psychological distress. There were no significant associations between stigma variables and hazardous levels of drinking. Enacted stigma had an indirect effect on psychological distress via increased expectations of stigma. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the growing literature exploring minority stressors in relation to substance use and mental health. Subsequent research is needed to examine TGD-specific factors that may more fully explain how TGD people cope with enacted stigma or that may influence substance use, particularly alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae A Puckett
- Michigan State University, Department of Psychology, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI48824, United States.
| | - Cindy B Veldhuis
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
| | - Paul A Gilbert
- University of Iowa, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, 145 N. Riverside Drive, N414 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, United States
| | | | - Brian Mustanski
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences and Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 14-061, Chicago, IL60611, United States
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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.
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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.
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8
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Castellini G, Rossi E, Cassioli E, Sanfilippo G, Ristori J, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Ricca V, Fisher AD. Internalized transphobia predicts worse longitudinal trend of body uneasiness in transgender persons treated with gender affirming hormone therapy: a 1-year follow-up study. J Sex Med 2023; 20:388-397. [PMID: 36763949 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the relationship between interiorized stigma and body image, it could be hypothesized that high levels of internalized transphobia (IT) might predict higher levels of body uneasiness in subjects with gender dysphoria (GD) and worse improvement of body image after gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). AIM We sought to evaluate the relationship between IT and body uneasiness in subjects with GD and the role of IT in moderating the improvement of body image after GAHT. METHODS In total, 200 individuals with GD performed the baseline assessment; 99 were re-evaluated 12 months after starting GAHT. At baseline participants were evaluated through a face-to-face interview and filled self-administered questionnaires to evaluate GD (Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale [UGDS]), IT attitudes (Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals [ATTI] Scale), body uneasiness (Body Uneasiness Test, part A [BUT-A]), and general psychopathology (Symptom Checklist 90-Revised [SCL 90-R]). The same questionnaires, except ATTI, were readministered at follow-ups. OUTCOMES Outcomes were based on measures of the associations between IT and baseline characteristics of the sample, the longitudinal trends of GD, body uneasiness, and general psychopathology; and IT as a moderator of the longitudinal trend of body uneasiness. RESULTS At baseline, IT correlated with lower level of education, higher GD, and more severe body uneasiness. Longitudinal analyses showed significant improvements in GD, body uneasiness, and general psychopathology during GAHT. Moderation analysis confirmed that participants with more transphobic attitudes showed less improvement after GAHT with regard to body uneasiness (bTime*ATTI = -.002, P = .040). The Johnson-Neyman technique revealed that no significant improvement in body uneasiness was found for participants with ATTI scores lower than 71.14. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The presence of IT should be investigated in subjects with GD who require gender affirming treatments to provide specific interventions aimed at targeting this dimension. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include the mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal design and the dimensional evaluation of the investigated constructs. Limitations include the small sample size and the limited follow-up. Furthermore, the effects of gender affirming surgery were not evaluated. CONCLUSION The association of IT with both baseline body uneasinessand the longitudinal course of this dimension highlighted the clinical significance of body uneasiness and the importance of making continuous efforts to improve education and information to fight societal stigmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Sanfilippo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jiska Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Lindley L, Pulice-Farrow L, Budge S. The antecedents of gender dysphoria and the associated thoughts, emotions, and ways of coping: a qualitative analysis and clinical implications. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2022.2142201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lindley
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1000 Bascom Mall, Rm. 335, 53706, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lex Pulice-Farrow
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 1404 Circle Dr, 37996, Knoxville TN, USA
| | - Stephanie Budge
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1000 Bascom Mall, Rm. 335, 53706, Madison, WI, USA
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Cotaina M, Peraire M, Boscá M, Echeverria I, Benito A, Haro G. Substance Use in the Transgender Population: A Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030366. [PMID: 35326322 PMCID: PMC8945921 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between identifying as transgender and substance use. (2) Methods: We searched for relevant studies in PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PsycINFO on 21 July 2021. (3) Results: Twenty studies comparing transgender and cisgender people were included in this work, accounting for a total of 2,376,951 participants (18,329 of whom were transgender). These articles included data on current tobacco use, current tobacco use disorder, current alcohol use, current alcohol use disorder, lifetime substance (all) use, current substance use (excluding tobacco and alcohol), current use of specific substances (excluding tobacco and alcohol and including cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, ecstasy, stimulants, heroin, opiates, cannabis, marijuana, LSD, hallucinogens, steroids, inhalants, sedatives, Ritalin or Adderall, diet pills, cold medicine, prescription medications, polysubstance, other club drugs, and other illegal drugs), and current substance use disorder (excluding tobacco and alcohol). We used the ORs and their 95% CIs to state the association between identifying as transgender and those variables. The control reference category used in all cases was cisgender. We employed a random-effects model. Transgender people were more likely to use tobacco (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65; 95% CI [1.37, 1.98]), have used substances throughout their lives (OR = 1.48; 95% CI [1.30, 1.68]), and present current use of specific substances (OR = 1.79; 95% CI [1.54, 2.07]). When current alcohol and substance use in general and tobacco, alcohol, and substance use disorders specifically were considered, the likelihood did not differ from that of cisgender people. (4) Conclusions: The presence of substance use disorders did not differ between transgender and cisgender people. Considering this population as consumers or as addicted may be a prejudice that perpetuates stigma. Nonetheless, transgender people were more likely to use tobacco and other substances, but not alcohol. Hypothetically, this might be an emotional regulation strategy, a maladaptive mechanism for coping with traumatic experiences, or could respond to minority stress, produced by stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. It is of particular importance to implement policies against discrimination and stigmatisation and to adapt prevention and treatment services so that they are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cotaina
- TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellon de la plana, Spain; (M.C.); (M.P.); (I.E.); (G.H.)
- Department of Mental Health, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castellon de la plana, Spain;
| | - Marc Peraire
- TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellon de la plana, Spain; (M.C.); (M.P.); (I.E.); (G.H.)
- Department of Mental Health, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castellon de la plana, Spain;
| | - Mireia Boscá
- Department of Mental Health, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castellon de la plana, Spain;
| | - Iván Echeverria
- TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellon de la plana, Spain; (M.C.); (M.P.); (I.E.); (G.H.)
- Department of Mental Health, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castellon de la plana, Spain;
| | - Ana Benito
- TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellon de la plana, Spain; (M.C.); (M.P.); (I.E.); (G.H.)
- Torrente Mental Health Unit, Hospital General de Valencia, 46900 Torrente, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Gonzalo Haro
- TXP Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 12006 Castellon de la plana, Spain; (M.C.); (M.P.); (I.E.); (G.H.)
- Department of Mental Health, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, 12002 Castellon de la plana, Spain;
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