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Rivers G, Hinchliff S, Thompson J. Transgender and non-binary peoples experiences of cervical cancer screening: A scoping review. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:2112-2122. [PMID: 38334194 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17023] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM(S) To synthesise the literature about transgender and non-binary people's experiences of cervical cancer screening and identify ways to improve screening. BACKGROUND Transgender people often face barriers to accessing health services including cervical screening, where transgender people have a lower uptake than cisgender women. DESIGN A scoping review was undertaken following the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Following database searching of Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINHAL, 23 papers published between 2008 and 2003 were included. Papers were included if they shared trans and non-binary people's experiences of cervical screening and were written in English. There were no date or geographical data restrictions due to the paucity of research. RESULTS Transgender people experience barriers to cervical screening including gender dysphoria, a history of sexual trauma, and mistrust in health professionals or health services, which can result in having negative experiences of screening or avoiding screening. Health professionals can help to create a positive experience by informing themselves about best practices for trans+ health. CONCLUSION Changes are required to improve transgender people's experiences and uptake of cervical screening. Improving medical education about trans health and updating health systems would help to combat issues discussed. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Having an understanding of the reasons why accessing health services can be more difficult for transgender people will help health professionals to provide appropriate care for transgender patients. This paper details this in the context of cervical cancer screening and can be applied to other areas of healthcare. REPORTING METHOD We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines and used the PRISMA-ScR reporting method. No Patient or Public Contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Rivers
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sharron Hinchliff
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jill Thompson
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Marconi M, Pagano MT, Ristori J, Bonadonna S, Pivonello R, Meriggiola MC, Motta G, Lombardo F, Mosconi M, Oppo A, Cocchetti C, Romani A, Federici S, Bruno L, Verde N, Lami A, Crespi CM, Marinelli L, Giordani L, Matarrese P, Ruocco A, Santangelo C, Contoli B, Masocco M, Minardi V, Chiarotti F, Fisher AD, Pierdominici M. Sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours and experiences of healthcare access in Italian transgender and gender diverse adult population. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02362-x. [PMID: 38733428 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02362-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Information on the general health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals continues to be lacking. To bridge this gap, the National Institute of Health in Italy together with the National Office against Racial Discriminations, clinical centres, and TGD organizations carried out a cross-sectional study to define the sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours, and experiences of healthcare access in Italian TGD adult population. METHODS A national survey was conducted by Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique. Collected data were compared within the TGD subgroups and between TGD people and the Italian general population (IGP). RESULTS TGD respondents were 959: 65% assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 35% assigned male at birth (AMAB). 91.8% and 8.2% were binary and non-binary TGD respondents, respectively. More than 20% of the TGD population reported to be unemployed with the highest rate detectable in AMAB and non-binary people. Cigarette smoking and binge drinking were higher in the TGD population compared with IGP (p < 0.05), affecting TGD subgroups differently. A significant lower percentage of AFAB TGD people reported having had screening for cervical and breast cancer in comparison with AFAB IGP (p < 0.0001, in both cases). Over 40% was the percentage of AFAB and non-binary TGD people accessing healthcare who felt discriminated against because of their gender identity. CONCLUSIONS Our results are a first step towards a better understanding of the health needs of TGD people in Italy in order to plan the best policy choices for a more inclusive public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marconi
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Pagano
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - J Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Bonadonna
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - R Pivonello
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M C Meriggiola
- Division of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Semiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mosconi
- Gender Identity Development Service, Hospital S. Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - A Oppo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Cocchetti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - A Romani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Federici
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - L Bruno
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lami
- Division of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C M Crespi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Giordani
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Matarrese
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ruocco
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Santangelo
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - B Contoli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Masocco
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - V Minardi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - F Chiarotti
- Reference Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M Pierdominici
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Bittleston H, Hocking JS, Temple-Smith M, Sanci L, Goller JL, Coombe J. What sexual and reproductive health issues do young people want to discuss with a doctor, and why haven't they done so? Findings from an online survey. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 40:100966. [PMID: 38522395 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100966] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young people are a priority group for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. We considered which SRH topics young Australians want to discuss with a general practitioner (GP) and explored barriers they encounter to discussing these issues. METHODS We conducted an online survey (2nd May - 21st June 2022) of Australians aged 16-29 years. Participants were asked to identify from a list of SRH topics which they wanted to discuss, but never had, with a GP. Those who selected any topic/s (with 'undiscussed SRH issues') were asked a free-text follow-up question about what prevented them from discussing issues. We explored characteristics associated with having undiscussed issues using multivariate logistic regression. Free-text comments were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS A total of 1887 people completed relevant survey questions. Most (67.1 %) were women and 48.5 % were heterosexual. Two-thirds (67.0 %) had a usual GP. Nearly half (45.6 %) had undiscussed issues. Most commonly, women wanted to discuss cervical screening and sexual problems, and men wanted to discuss sexual problems and STIs. Participants who were male, older, heterosexual, and with a usual GP were least likely to have undiscussed issues. Barriers to accessing care for SRH were identified from free-text comments, including discomfort, lack of opportunity, fear of negative outcomes, low priority of SRH issues, and perceptions about the role and expertise of GPs. CONCLUSIONS Many young people would welcome more preventative SRH care. Young people may be reassured that all issues, including sexual difficulties and dysfunction, are appropriate to discuss with a GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bittleston
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - J S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - L Sanci
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J L Goller
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Coombe
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Ellis SJ. Are women-who-have-sex-with-women an 'at-risk' group for cervical cancer? An exploratory study of women in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sex Health 2024; 21:NULL. [PMID: 38043923 DOI: 10.1071/sh23145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International research consistently indicates that women-who-have-sex-with-women (WSW) are less likely to engage in cervical screening than heterosexual women. In the main, studies have explored rates of engagement and highlighted some reasons for non-engagement. This study extends on this work by exploring perceptions among sexual minority women (WSW) for lower rates of engagement among WSW more generally and is the first study on this topic undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHODS A sample of 177 self-identified WSW domiciled in New Zealand completed an online survey about their engagement in cervical screening, reasons for engaging (or not) in cervical screening, and perceptions of why SMW might be less likely to engage in cervical screening. RESULTS Fewer than half of participants had engaged in cervical screening every 3years as recommended, with women who had only ever had sex with other women being significantly less likely to have engaged in screening. A lack of clear information about risk relative to sexual history, heteronormativity, and the invasive nature of screening were the dominant reasons for lower engagement among WSW. CONCLUSIONS A legacy of misinformation, and endemic heteronormativity in public health messaging around cervical screening is a significant barrier to engagement in screening for WSW. To increase engagement in screening among WSW, public health information needs to specifically address the needs of WSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J Ellis
- The University of Waikato, Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
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Jeffrey S, Ashton L, Ferfolja T, Armour M. Transgender and gender diverse people with endometriosis: A perspective on affirming gynaecological care. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241251974. [PMID: 38742674 PMCID: PMC11095187 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241251974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse people presumed female at birth experience gynaecological conditions, such as chronic pelvic pain at elevated rates, estimated to impact between 51% and 72% of this population, compared to rates of up to 26.6% in cisgender women. The negative impact of these conditions is likely amplified due to limited access to safe and affirming healthcare. Despite this high prevalence rate, there is limited research investigating the prevalence, presentation or management options for trans and gender diverse people with endometriosis. Cisgender women with endometriosis report barriers to accessing care, with lengthy times to diagnosis and limited treatment options available. However, barriers for trans and gender diverse individuals are enhanced by physician bias and lack of education in gender-affirming care. This is reflected in stories of discrimination and denial of basic healthcare. A healthcare environment built on the presumption that gynaecological patients are women, others trans and gender diverse patients, which can result in avoidance of needed medical care. A lack of knowledge of gender-affirming care alongside healthcare provider bias highlights a need for gender-affirming care and bias reduction training in undergraduate healthcare provider curricula. Research to date assessing current curriculum in Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand) shows limited inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other related identities content as a whole with gender-affirming care being among the least-frequently addressed topics. This review will detail barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare specific to gynaecology, interweaving the experiences of a non-binary individual seeking access to gender-affirming endometriosis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Jeffrey
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Tania Ferfolja
- School of Education, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike Armour
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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Borchowsky K, Rush M, Mullally T, McBain L, Hudson B, McMenamin J, Smith D, Sykes P, Garrett S. Primary care experiences in the 'Let's test for HPV' study: a qualitative analysis. J Prim Health Care 2023; 15:147-154. [PMID: 37390037 DOI: 10.1071/hc23038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) will switch from cervical cytology to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary cervical screening modality in 2023. To prepare for rollout an implementation study of HPV testing in primary care commenced in August 2022 in three different geographic regions in NZ. Aims This study explores Primary Care Staff's experience of using the HPV testing pathway in the 'Let's test for HPV' study so that recommendations can be made to improve the testing process before nationwide roll-out. Method Thirty-nine primary care staff were interviewed across all 17 practices in the Capital and Coast, Canterbury and Whanganui region participating in the 'Let's Test For HPV' study. In total 19 interviews took place which followed a semi-structured approach. These interviews were recorded and transcribed. Template analysis was carried out on transcripts to aid in identifying themes. Results Three key themes, with additional subthemes, were identified. Staff were strongly supportive of the new testing regime. Interviewees identified some issues with the new pathway. Educational needs for both patients and clinicians were identified. Conclusion Primary care staff described the experience of using the HPV testing pathway positively; however, there were requests for ongoing additional support and nationwide rollout to be supported by practitioner and patient education programmes. With the right support this new pathway for cervical cancer screening has the potential to improve access for previously underserved and unserved groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayden Borchowsky
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand
| | - Morgan Rush
- Health and Research Collaborative, Wicksteed Street, Whanganui, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Mullally
- Department of Primary Care and Clinical Simulation, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Lynn McBain
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand
| | - Ben Hudson
- Department of Primary Care and Clinical Simulation, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John McMenamin
- Health and Research Collaborative, Wicksteed Street, Whanganui, New Zealand
| | - Debra Smith
- Health and Research Collaborative, Wicksteed Street, Whanganui, New Zealand
| | - Peter Sykes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Susan Garrett
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, PO Box 7343, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand
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