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To M, Zhang Q, Bradlyn A, Getahun D, Giammattei S, Nash R, Owen-Smith AA, Roblin D, Silverberg MJ, Tangpricha V, Vupputuri S, Goodman M. Visual Conformity With Affirmed Gender or "Passing": Its Distribution and Association With Depression and Anxiety in a Cohort of Transgender People. J Sex Med 2020; 17:2084-2092. [PMID: 32807706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual conformity with affirmed gender (VCAG) or "passing" is thought to be an important, but poorly understood, determinant of well-being in transgender people. VCAG is a subjective measure that is different from having an inner sense of being congruent with one's gender identity. AIM We examined the frequency and determinants of VCAG and explored its association with mental health outcomes in a cohort of transgender adults. METHODS The "Study of Transition, Outcomes & Gender (STRONG)" is a cohort of transgender individuals recruited from 3 Kaiser Permanente health plans located in Georgia, Northern California and Southern California. A subset of cohort members completed a survey between 2015 and 2017. VCAG was assessed as the difference between 2 scales: scale 1 reflecting the person's sense of how they are perceived by others, and scale 2 reflecting the person's desire to be perceived. Participants were considered to have achieved VCAG when their scale 1 scores were equal to or exceeded their scale 2 scores. The frequency of VCAG and their independent associations with anxiety and depression symptoms were explored using data from 620 survey respondents including 309 transwomen and 311 transmen. Based on self-described gender identity, none of the participants identified as nonbinary or gender fluid. OUTCOMES VCAG, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS VCAG was achieved in 28% of transwomen and 62% of transmen and was more common in persons who reported greater sense of acceptance and pride in their gender identity as measured on the Transgender Congruence Scale. Another factor associated with greater likelihood of VCAG was receipt of gender-affirming surgery, but the association was only evident among transmen. Participants who achieved VCAG had a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety with prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.79 (0.65, 0.96) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS VCAG may serve as an important outcome measure after gender-affirming therapy. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include a well-defined sampling frame and use of a novel patient-centered outcome of interest. Cross-sectional design and uncertain generalizability of results are the limitations. CONCLUSION These results, once confirmed by prospective studies, may help better characterize the determinants of well-being in the transgender community, facilitating the design of interventions to improve the well-being and quality of life of this vulnerable population. To M, Zhang Q, Bradlyn A, et al. Visual Conformity With Affirmed Gender or "Passing": Its Distribution and Association With Depression and Anxiety in a Cohort of Transgender People. J Sex Med 2020;17:2084-2092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret To
- Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Andrew Bradlyn
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Shawn Giammattei
- The Rockway Institute, Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Nash
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Ashli A Owen-Smith
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia State University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Douglas Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Vin Tangpricha
- Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; The Atlanta Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Suma Vupputuri
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Michael Goodman
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta GA, USA.
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Owen-Smith AA, Gerth J, Sineath RC, Barzilay J, Becerra-Culqui TA, Getahun D, Giammattei S, Hunkeler E, Lash TL, Millman A, Nash R, Quinn VP, Robinson B, Roblin D, Sanchez T, Silverberg MJ, Tangpricha V, Valentine C, Winter S, Woodyatt C, Song Y, Goodman M. Association Between Gender Confirmation Treatments and Perceived Gender Congruence, Body Image Satisfaction, and Mental Health in a Cohort of Transgender Individuals. J Sex Med 2018; 15:591-600. [PMID: 29463478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender individuals sometimes seek gender confirmation treatments (GCT), including hormone therapy (HT) and/or surgical change of the chest and genitalia ("top" and "bottom" gender confirmation surgeries). These treatments may ameliorate distress resulting from the incongruence between one's physical appearance and gender identity. AIM The aim was to examine the degree to which individuals' body-gender congruence, body image satisfaction, depression, and anxiety differed by GCT groups in cohorts of transmasculine (TM) and transfeminine (TF) individuals. METHODS The Study of Transition, Outcomes, and Gender is a cohort study of transgender individuals recruited from 3 health plans located in Georgia, Northern California, and Southern California; cohort members were recruited to complete a survey between 2015-2017. Participants were asked about: history of GCT; body-gender congruence; body image satisfaction; depression; and anxiety. Participants were categorized as having received: (1) no GCT to date; (2) HT only; (3) top surgery; (4) partial bottom surgery; and (5) definitive bottom surgery. OUTCOMES Outcomes of interest included body-gender congruence, body image satisfaction, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS Of the 2,136 individuals invited to participate, 697 subjects (33%) completed the survey, including 347 TM and 350 TF individuals. The proportion of participants with low body-gender congruence scores was significantly higher in the "no treatment" group (prevalence ratio [PR] = 3.96, 95% CI 2.72-5.75) compared to the definitive bottom surgery group. The PR for depression comparing participants who reported no treatment relative to those who had definitive surgery was 1.94 (95% CI 1.42-2.66); the corresponding PR for anxiety was 4.33 (95% CI 1.83-10.54). CLINICAL TRANSLATION Withholding or delaying GCT until depression or anxiety have been treated may not be the optimal treatment course given the benefits of reduced levels of distress after undergoing these interventions. CONCLUSIONS Strengths include the well-defined sampling frame, which allowed correcting for non-response, a sample with approximately equal numbers of TF and TM participants, and the ability to combine data on HT and gender confirmation surgeries. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and the fact that participants may not be representative of the transgender population in the United States. Body-gender congruence and body image satisfaction were higher, and depression and anxiety were lower among individuals who had more extensive GCT compared to those who received less treatment or no treatment at all. Owen-Smith AA, Gerth J, Sineath RC, et al. Association Between Gender Confirmation Treatments and Perceived Gender Congruence, Body Image Satisfaction and Mental Health in a Cohort Of Transgender Individuals. J Sex Med 2018;15:591-600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashli A Owen-Smith
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Joseph Gerth
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Joshua Barzilay
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tracy A Becerra-Culqui
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Shawn Giammattei
- Rockway Institute, Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA
| | - Enid Hunkeler
- Emeritus, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Timothy L Lash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrea Millman
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Rebecca Nash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Virginia P Quinn
- Emeritus, Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Brandi Robinson
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA
| | - Douglas Roblin
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, MD
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Vin Tangpricha
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Atlanta US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cadence Valentine
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA
| | - Savannah Winter
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cory Woodyatt
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Yongjia Song
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Quinn VP, Nash R, Hunkeler E, Contreras R, Cromwell L, Becerra-Culqui TA, Getahun D, Giammattei S, Lash TL, Millman A, Robinson B, Roblin D, Silverberg MJ, Slovis J, Tangpricha V, Tolsma D, Valentine C, Ward K, Winter S, Goodman M. Cohort profile: Study of Transition, Outcomes and Gender (STRONG) to assess health status of transgender people. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018121. [PMID: 29284718 PMCID: PMC5770907 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Study of Transition, Outcomes and Gender (STRONG) was initiated to assess the health status of transgender people in general and following gender-affirming treatments at Kaiser Permanente health plans in Georgia, Northern California and Southern California. The objectives of this communication are to describe methods of cohort ascertainment and data collection and to characterise the study population. PARTICIPANTS A stepwise methodology involving computerised searches of electronic medical records and free-text validation of eligibility and gender identity was used to identify a cohort of 6456 members with first evidence of transgender status (index date) between 2006 and 2014. The cohort included 3475 (54%) transfeminine (TF), 2892 (45%) transmasculine (TM) and 89 (1%) members whose natal sex and gender identity remained undetermined from the records. The cohort was matched to 127 608 enrollees with no transgender evidence (63 825 women and 63 783 men) on year of birth, race/ethnicity, study site and membership year of the index date. Cohort follow-up extends through the end of 2016. FINDINGS TO DATE About 58% of TF and 52% of TM cohort members received hormonal therapy at Kaiser Permanente. Chest surgery was more common among TM participants (12% vs 0.3%). The proportions of transgender participants who underwent genital reconstruction surgeries were similar (4%-5%) in the two transgender groups. Results indicate that there are sufficient numbers of events in the TF and TM cohorts to further examine mental health status, cardiovascular events, diabetes, HIV and most common cancers. FUTURE PLANS STRONG is well positioned to fill existing knowledge gaps through comparisons of transgender and reference populations and through analyses of health status before and after gender affirmation treatment. Analyses will include incidence of cardiovascular disease, mental health, HIV and diabetes, as well as changes in laboratory-based endpoints (eg, polycythemia and bone density), overall and in relation to gender affirmation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia P Quinn
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Nash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Enid Hunkeler
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (emerita), Oakland, California, USA
| | - Richard Contreras
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lee Cromwell
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy A Becerra-Culqui
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Shawn Giammattei
- The Rockway Institute, Alliant International University, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Timothy L Lash
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrea Millman
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Brandi Robinson
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Douglas Roblin
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael J Silverberg
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Slovis
- The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- The Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dennis Tolsma
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cadence Valentine
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Kevin Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Savannah Winter
- Center for Clinical and Outcomes Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Owen-Smith AA, Sineath C, Sanchez T, Dea R, Giammattei S, Gillespie T, Helms MF, Hunkeler EM, Quinn VP, Roblin D, Slovis J, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS, Tangpricha V, Woodyatt C, Goodman M. Perception of Community Tolerance and Prevalence of Depression among Transgender Persons. J Gay Lesbian Ment Health 2016; 21:64-76. [PMID: 29170689 DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2016.1228553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The goal of the study was to examine the association between depression and perceived community tolerance after controlling for various demographic and personal characteristics, treatment receipt, and past experiences with abuse or discrimination. Methods An on-line survey assessed depressive symptoms among transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Depression was assessed using the 7-item Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD-10) scale. Results The prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing depression in persons who did and did not perceive their area as tolerant were 0.33 (0.20-0.54) for BD-PC and 0.66 (0.49-0.89) for CESD-10. Other factors associated with depression were experience with abuse or discrimination, lower education, and unfulfilled desire to receive hormonal therapy. Conclusion Depression was common in this sample of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and was strongly and consistently associated with participants' perceptions of community tolerance, even after adjusting for possible confounding. The association between desire to receive hormonal therapy and depression is a finding that warrants further exploration. Future research should also assess depression and changes in perception of community tolerance in transgender individuals before and after initiation of gender confirmation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashli A Owen-Smith
- Georgia State University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, Atlanta GA
| | - Craig Sineath
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
| | - Robin Dea
- The Permanente Medical Group (Retired), Redwood City, CA
| | - Shawn Giammattei
- The Rockway Institute, Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA
| | - Theresa Gillespie
- Emory University, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Atlanta, GA
| | - Monica F Helms
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
| | - Enid M Hunkeler
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, CA
| | | | - Douglas Roblin
- Georgia State University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, Atlanta GA
| | - Jennifer Slovis
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, CA
| | - Robert Stephenson
- University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- Emory University, School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cory Woodyatt
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
| | - Michael Goodman
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta GA
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Sineath RC, Woodyatt C, Sanchez T, Giammattei S, Gillespie T, Hunkeler E, Owen-Smith A, Quinn VP, Roblin D, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS, Tangpricha V, Goodman M. Determinants of and Barriers to Hormonal and Surgical Treatment Receipt Among Transgender People. Transgend Health 2016; 1:129-136. [PMID: 27689139 PMCID: PMC5012371 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2016.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Medical gender confirmation therapy (GCT) plays an important role in transgender health; however, its prevalence and determinants constitute an area of uncertainty. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from an online survey distributed from October 2012 through the end of 2013 among persons who visited the social media sites of a transgender education and social networking meeting. Eligible respondents (n=280) were persons whose gender identity was different from their sex assigned at birth and who responded to questions about previously received or planned hormonal therapy (HT), chest reconstruction, or genital surgery. Multivariable logistic regression models examined how receipt and plans to receive different GCT types were associated with participants' characteristics and gender identity. Results: The respective percentages of ever and current HT were 58% and 47% for transwomen and 63% and 57% for transmen. Genital surgery was reported by 11 participants; all transwomen. Relative to transmen, transwomen were thrice more likely to report plans to undergo genital surgery. By contrast, transmen were more than 10 times as likely as transwomen to have had or planned chest surgery. Older participants and those who were in a committed relationship were less likely to plan future GCT. Having health insurance was not associated with GCT receipt. Treatment cost was named as the main problem by 23% of transwomen and 29% of transmen. Accessing a qualified healthcare provider for transgender-related care was listed as the primary reason for not receiving surgery by 41% of transmen and 2% of transwomen. Conclusions: Prevalence of GCT differed across subgroups of participants and was lower than corresponding estimates reported elsewhere. The variability of results may reflect differences in recruitment procedures and response rates; however, it is also possible that it may be driven by geographic, socioeconomic, and health-related heterogeneity of the transgender population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Craig Sineath
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.; School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cory Woodyatt
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shawn Giammattei
- The Rockway Institute, Alliant International University , San Francisco, California
| | - Theresa Gillespie
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Enid Hunkeler
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California
| | - Ashli Owen-Smith
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Douglas Roblin
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Vin Tangpricha
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Michael Goodman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
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