Experiences of transgender-related discrimination and implications for health: Results from the Virginia transgender health initiative study

J. Bradford, S.L. Reisner, J.A. Honnold and J. Xavier

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue 10, 1820-1829

Abstract: Objectives. We examined relationships between social determinants of health and experiences of transgender-related discrimination reported by transgender people in Virginia. Methods. In 2005 through 2006, 387 self-identified transgender people completed a statewide health needs assessment; 350 who completed eligibility questions were included in this examination of factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care, employment, or housing. We fit multivariate logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to adjust for survey modality (online vs paper). Results. Of participants, 41% (n = 143) reported experiences of transgenderrelated discrimination. Factors associatedwith transgender-related discrimination were geographic context, gender (female-to male spectrum vs male-to-female spectrum), low socioeconomic status, being a racial/ethnic minority, not having health insurance, gender transition indicators (younger age at first transgender awareness), health care needed but unable to be obtained (hormone therapy and mental health services), history of violence (sexual and physical), substance use health behaviors (tobacco and alcohol), and interpersonal factors (family support and community connectedness). Conclusions. Findings suggest that transgender Virginians experience widespread discrimination in health care, employment, and housing. Multilevel interventions are needed for transgender populations, including legal protections and training for health care providers.

Keywords: adult; article; confidence interval; cross-sectional study; female; health behavior; health care delivery; health status; human; male; middle aged; needs assessment; risk; social discrimination; statistical model; statistics; transsexuality; United States, Adult; Confidence Intervals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Behavior; Health Services Accessibility; Health Status; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Odds Ratio; Social Discrimination; Transgendered Persons; Virginia; Young Adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (20)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2012.300796_3

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300796

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