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1.
J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs ; 36(2): 63-64, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2314047
2.
PLoS One ; 18(5): e0284257, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2314911

ABSTRACT

Transgender people often live with social vulnerability, largely promoted by gender-based prejudice. Our aim in this article was to raise preliminary data on how the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived prejudice have contributed to the problem of food and food insecurity in the transgender communities in Brazil. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study, in which 109 transgender people from all regions of Brazil participated. We used the Chi-Square test and Poisson regression modeling with robust variance to estimate the association between food insecurity and the investigated factors. In our sample, 68.8% of transgender people experienced food insecurity, of these, 20.2% experienced severe food insecurity. Our results showed that the difficulties in purchasing food in the transgender community predate the COVID-19 pandemic, yet that the restrictive measures adopted have also impacted overall access to quality food. However, the main explanations for food insecurity were income and employment. In predicting food insecurity, the experiences of prejudice must be considered, and give rise to the hypothesis that specific conditions to which transgender people are exposed explain, to some degree, their vulnerability to food insecurity.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Socioeconomic Factors , Brazil/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Food Supply , Food Insecurity
3.
Child Dev ; 94(4): e215-e230, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2310451

ABSTRACT

Hope is considered a marker of resilience among youth facing oppression, including LGBTQ+ youth. This 8-week weekly diary study among 94 LGBTQ+ youth (ages 14-19; Mage  = 15.91, 46% youth of color, 44% transgender or nonbinary) in 2021 considered whether a youth's meeting-to-meeting experiences in Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs; LGBTQ+ affirming school clubs) predicted subsequent hope from week to week. Youth reported greater hope on days following meetings where they felt more group support, greater advisor responsiveness, and had taken on more leadership responsibilities. Group support and advisor responsiveness were stronger predictors of a youth's hope on days closer to GSA meetings; leadership's effect was stronger when more days had elapsed. Findings suggest how GSAs may cultivate hope among LGBTQ+ youth.


Subject(s)
Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Humans , Adolescent , Sexuality , Sexual Behavior , Social Behavior
4.
JAMA Pediatr ; 177(4): 329-330, 2023 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2293893

ABSTRACT

This Viewpoint discusses how to support patient and clinician safety regarding extreme online threats to gender-affirming care.


Subject(s)
Gender Identity , Transgender Persons , Humans
5.
Public Health Rep ; 138(2): 357-368, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2286838

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 surveillance data are rarely collected or disaggregated by gender identity in the United States. We quantified COVID-19 testing experiences and SARS-CoV-2 infection history among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people to inform testing strategies and public health responses. METHODS: From June 14 through December 16, 2021, TGD adults enrolled in a US nationwide online survey with optional SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. We used multinomial regression analyses to identify correlates of suspected and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (vs no known infection). We identified correlates of inability to access COVID-19 testing when needed using generalized linear models for binomial variables. RESULTS: Participants (N = 2092) reported trans masculine (30.5%), trans feminine (27.3%), and nonbinary (42.2%) gender identities. Ten percent of respondents had a confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 29.8% had a history of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonbinary gender (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.12-2.53), experiencing homelessness (aPR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05-2.60), and food insecurity (aPR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03-2.04) were associated with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Food insecurity (aPR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.10-1.72), chronic physical health condition (aPR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.80), chronic mental health condition (aPR = 3.65; 95% CI, 2.40-5.56), and increased anticipated discrimination scores (aPR = 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) were associated with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thirty-four percent (n = 694 of 2024) of participants reported an inability to access COVID-19 testing when needed, which was associated with Latinx or Hispanic ethnicity, inconsistent telephone access, homelessness, disability, and transportation limitations. The majority (79.4%) reported a complete COVID-19 vaccine course at the time of participation. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of TGD people in public health surveillance and tailored public health strategies to address TGD communities' social and structural vulnerabilities may reduce barriers to COVID-19 testing.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Gender Identity , COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2
6.
PLoS One ; 18(3): e0282644, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2278736

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of an unassisted and community-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution model and to evaluate its acceptability among men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). METHODS: Our demonstration study focused on implementing the HIVST distribution model in Metro Manila, Philippines. Convenience sampling was done with the following inclusion criteria: MSM or TGW, at least 18 years old, and had no previous HIV diagnosis. Individuals taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, on antiretroviral therapy, or female sex at birth were excluded. The implementation of the study was done online using a virtual assistant and a delivery system via courier due to COVID-19-related lockdowns. Feasibility was measured by the number of HIVST kits successfully delivered and utilized and the HIV point prevalence. Moreover, acceptability was evaluated by a 10-item system usability scale (SUS). HIV prevalence was estimated with linkage to care prioritized for reactive participants. RESULTS: Out of 1,690 kits distributed, only 953 (56.4%) participants reported their results. Overall, HIV point prevalence was 9.8%, with 56 (60.2%) reactive participants linked to further testing. Furthermore, 261 (27.4%) of respondents self-reported, and 35 (13.4%) of the reactive participants were first-time testers. The HIVST service had an overall median and interquartile range (IQR) SUS score of 82.5 (IQR: 75.0, 90.0), rendering the HIVST kits very acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST among the MSM and TGW in Metro Manila, Philippines, regardless of their age or HIV testing experience. In addition, other platforms of information dissemination and service delivery of HIVST should be explored, including access to online instructional videos and printed materials, which may facilitate easier use and interpretation of results. Furthermore, due to our study's limited number of TGW respondents, a more targeted implementation strategy to reach the TGW population is warranted to increase their access and uptake of HIVST.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Male , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Female , Adolescent , Homosexuality, Male , HIV , Self-Testing , Philippines/epidemiology , Pandemics , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Testing
7.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr ; 93(3): 181-186, 2023 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2276804

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transgender and gender nonbinary (TNB) people have been disproportionately affected by HIV and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the prevalence of HIV prevention and treatment (HPT) interruptions during the pandemic and identified factors associated with these interruptions. SETTING: Data were drawn from LITE Connect, a US-based, nationwide, online, self-administered survey designed to examine the experiences of TNB adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 2134 participants were recruited between June 14, 2021, and May 1, 2022. METHODS: The analytic sample was restricted to participants taking antiretroviral medications to prevent or treat HIV before the onset of the pandemic (n = 153). We calculated descriptive statistics as well as Pearson χ 2 bivariate tests and multivariable models to identify factors associated with HPT interruptions during the pandemic. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of participants experienced an HPT interruption. We found a lower odds of HPT interruptions among participants living with HIV [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 0.45; 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 0.22, 0.92; P = 0.02] and essential workers [aOR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.23, 1.0; P = 0.06] and higher odds among people with chronic mental health conditions [aOR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 6.2; P = 0.03]. When sex and education were included, we found a lower odds of interruptions among people with higher education. CI widened, but the magnitude and direction of effects did not change for the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Focused strategies to address longstanding psychosocial and structural inequities are needed to mitigate HPT treatment interruptions in TNB people and prevent similar challenges during future pandemics.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Transgender Persons , Adult , United States , Humans , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies
8.
LGBT Health ; 10(5): 344-354, 2023 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2250332

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) persons. We evaluated COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates among TGNB patients at our institution. Methods: We compared COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates between TGNB patients and a cisgender population matched by age, race, and ethnicity. Data were collected through September 22, 2021. Demographic variables, testing rates, and vaccination rates were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and regression was performed on outcomes of interest: any vaccination dose, at least one test, and at least one positive test. Gender modality was the exposure of interest. Results: There were 5050 patients: 1683 cisgender men, 1682 cisgender women, and 1685 TGNB individuals. TGNB patients were more likely to be on Medicaid/Medicare and more likely to be single. The number of patients with at least one test was similar between TGNB (n = 894, 53.1%) and cisgender (n = 1853, 55.1%) groups. The number of patients who had at least one positive test was higher among cisgender patients (n = 238, 7.1%) compared with TGNB patients (n = 73, 4.3%). Vaccination rates were significantly greater among TGNB patients. Compared with cisgender patients, TGNB patients had greater odds of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.25 [95% confidence interval; CI 1.06-1.48]). Compared with cisgender patients, TGNB patients had lower odds of having at least one positive COVID-19 test (aOR = 0.51 [95% CI 0.36-0.72]). Conclusion: Our institutional experience found that vaccination rates for TGNB patients were higher and COVID-19 positivity lower than for cisgender patients.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Transsexualism , Male , Humans , Female , Aged , United States/epidemiology , COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19/prevention & control , Medicare
9.
Soc Sci Med ; 323: 115850, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2249445

ABSTRACT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adults have experienced pronounced declines in well-being. However, less is known about how changes to daily routines and settings, such as the shift to remote work within many occupations, may be playing a role in well-being outcomes. Drawing on a unique time diary data source (N = 3515 respondents and 7650 episodes) collected between April 2020-July 2021 through online crowdsourcing platforms, we conducted random effects analyses to examine how working from home has been associated with experienced well-being among LGBTQ and cisgender heterosexual workers in the United States during the pandemic. Findings indicate LGBTQ adults felt significantly less stressed and tired while doing paid work at home than while working at a workplace. In addition, working at a workplace, rather than working from home, appeared to be more detrimental to LGBTQ adults' well-being compared to their non-LGBTQ counterparts. Adjusting for work characteristics explained some of the difference, whereas adjusting for family characteristics had little impact on the results. It is possible that for LGBTQ employees, working from home mitigates some of the minority stressors experienced during paid work.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Homosexuality, Female , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Female , Adult , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Sexual Behavior , Homosexuality, Female/psychology , Gender Identity , Transgender Persons/psychology
10.
Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy ; 17(1): 4, 2022 01 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2272763

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In response to COVID-19, the city of Chicago issued stay-at-home orders, which began on March 20, 2020, and restrictions meant to "flatten the curve" remained in effect until June 2, 2020. On June 3, 2020, Chicago entered the reopening phase. This study compares rates of polysubstance use by COVID-19 lockdown phase and across sociodemographic characteristics in a Chicago-based sample of Black cisgender sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women. METHOD: Data come from the Neighborhood and Networks (N2) cohort, an ongoing study of Black cisgender SMM and transgender women living in Chicago. Participants (N = 226) completed a survey between April 20, 2020, and July 30, 2020, during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chicago. We conducted chi-square tests of independence and modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance and estimated adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Alcohol and marijuana were the most used substances, with 73.5% reporting at least one drinking day and 71.2% of the sample reporting marijuana use in the past 14 days. Tobacco was used by 41.6% of the sample, and illegal drug use, which does not include marijuana, was reported by 17.7% of the sample. Substance use was consistently associated with the use of other substances. As such, polysubstance use (i.e., using two or more substances) was common in this sample (63.7%). Few sociodemographic differences emerged, and substance use was not associated with lockdown phase. CONCLUSION: Substance use, including polysubstance use, was high in our sample of Black SMM and transgender women during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued monitoring is needed given the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative health consequences associated with substance use in this population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Chicago/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , Female , Humans , Male , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2
11.
Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse ; 49(1): 129-139, 2023 01 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2239122

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies have found changes in substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic in specific populations. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have experienced greater distress compared to cisgender individuals during the pandemic; however, there is little research on substance use among TGD individuals during this sensitive time period.Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine distress from COVID-19 and coping via substance use including alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) among TGD adults.Method: An online survey assessing substance use, general psychiatric symptoms, and COVID-19 anxiety was completed by 342 TGD individuals (16.4% transfeminine, 19.6% transmasculine, 64.0% Gender Diverse) in June/July 2020. Chi-square and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses examined the connections between distress, coping, and substance use.Results: Seventy-one percent of participants reported no changes in substance use since the start of the pandemic and 22% reported an increase in substance use. Increased substance use was associated with alcohol (p < .001), cannabis (p < .001), and combustible tobacco (p < .001) use in the prior three months. SEM showed significant direct effects between distress and substance use coping, substance use coping and recent drug use, and an indirect effect of distress on recent drug use through substance use coping (ß = .31, p = .001).Conclusion: Results highlight the risk of substance use to cope with COVID-19-related stress in a large sample of a minoritized population with mental health disparities. Transmasculine and gender diverse participants were especially likely to report using substances to cope.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Substance-Related Disorders , Transgender Persons , Humans , Adult , Transgender Persons/psychology , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Gender Identity , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology
12.
AIDS Care ; 35(5): 651-657, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2187162

ABSTRACT

Gay, bisexual, and other men and transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men (MSM and TSM) are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic in Kazakhstan. MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan also face high levels of discrimination and victimization, known barriers to engagement in HIV prevention and care. We examined data from surveys with 455 MSM and TSM collected May -- October 2020 to determine whether access to HIV testing and treatment was disproportionately limited among those exposed to victimization and discrimination during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Odds of reporting COVID-19 disruptions to HIV-related care access were significantly higher (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.25-3.06; P = .003) among those who experienced recent sexual or gender-based victimization, and recent discrimination (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.65-5.23; P < .001), compared to those who did not experience victimization or discrimination, respectively. Odds of reporting disruptions among those who experienced both victimization and discrimination were significantly higher (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 1.88-6.86; P < .001) compared to those who experienced neither . Associations remained significant after adjustment for potentially confounding factors. Findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic is compounding vulnerability among MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan - highlighting need for intervention efforts targeting the most marginalized groups.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Male , Humans , Homosexuality, Male , Kazakhstan , Pandemics , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Social Stigma , COVID-19/epidemiology
13.
Am J Speech Lang Pathol ; 32(1): 216-233, 2023 01 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2186171

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to treatment attendance for patients seeking gender-affirming voice therapy (GAVT). METHOD: We completed retrospective chart reviews of 50 patients (43 transgender women, three transgender men, four nonbinary patients; aged 18-67 years, M = 34.92 years, SD = 12.32 years) referred for GAVT at a Midwest outpatient center from 2016 to 2021. Data extraction included patient demographics, therapy visit specifics (e.g., number of sessions attended, treatment completion status, and in-person vs. virtual visits) and treatment timing (in relation to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic), and psychosocial and socioeconomic information. RESULTS: There was no impact of treatment-timing relative to the onset of the pandemic on any attendance measure; however, patients were 1.9 times more likely to complete therapy with each virtual telehealth session attended. Individual factors of outside social support and hormone replacement therapy were positively related to the number of therapy sessions attended, whereas insurance provider and employment status were related to therapy completion. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic was positively associated with GAVT completion. Future research should investigate psychosocial and socioeconomic factors to understand how to identify patients at risk for poor treatment adherence and facilitate access to clinical care.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Male , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Pandemics , Transgender Persons/psychology , Patients
14.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 61, 2023 01 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2196192

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Brazil was strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic on sexual and gender minorities' youth remains unknown. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and transgender women (ATGW) participants of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort study (PrEP1519). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional design conducted between June and October 2020 in Salvador, Brazil. Serum samples were collected from AMSM and ATGW aged 16-21 years between June-October 2020. IgG and IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and data were collected through a socio-behavioral questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the 137 participants, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM was 20.4%; 16.8% of the participants were positive for IgG, and 11.7% for IgM. In the multivariable analysis, the seroprevalence was two times higher among those who never wore masks (OR= 2.22; 95% CI: 1.08-4.57) and among those who believed that they could be easily cured of the disease (OR= 2.05; 95% CI: 1.05-4.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among gender and sexual minority youth seems to be informed by behaviors and attitudes that contrast with public health measures and the potential severity of the disease when vaccination was still not available.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Transgender Persons , Male , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Homosexuality, Male , Pandemics , Seroepidemiologic Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Antibodies, Viral , Immunoglobulin G , Immunoglobulin M
15.
AIDS Educ Prev ; 34(6): 481-495, 2022 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2140843

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the conduct of community-based and community-engaged research. Prior to the pandemic, our community-based participatory research partnership was testing ChiCAS, an in-person, group-level behavioral intervention designed to promote uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condom use, and medically supervised gender-affirming hormone therapy among Spanish-speaking transgender Latinas. However, the pandemic required adaptations to ensure the safe conduct of the ChiCAS intervention trial. In this article, we describe adaptations to the trial within five domains. Transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV, and it is essential to find ways to continue research designed to support their health within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. These adaptations offer guidance for ongoing and future community-based and community-engaged research during the COVID-19 pandemic and/or potential subsequent outbreaks (e.g., monkeypox), epidemics, and pandemics, particularly within under-served marginalized and minoritized communities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Transgender Persons , Female , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , COVID-19/prevention & control , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Hispanic or Latino
16.
PLoS One ; 17(11): e0271397, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2116714

ABSTRACT

Collaboration across sectors is critical to address complex health problems, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the ability to collaborate during the pandemic as part of a baseline evaluation of an intersectoral network of healthcare and community organizations established to improve the collective response to transgender (trans) persons who have been sexually assaulted (the trans-LINK Network). A validated social network analysis survey was sent to 119 member organizations in Ontario, Canada. Survey respondents were asked, 'Has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization's ability to collaborate with other organizations on the support of trans survivors of sexual assault?' and 'How has COVID-19 negatively affected your organization's ability to collaborate within the trans-LINK Network?'. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Seventy-eight member organizations participated in the survey (response rate = 66%). Most organizations (79%) indicated that the pandemic had affected their ability to collaborate with others in the network, citing most commonly, increased workload (77%), increased demand for services (57%), and technical and digital challenges (50%). Survey findings were shared in a stakeholder consultation with 22 representatives of 21 network member organizations. Stakeholders provided suggestions to prevent and address the challenges, barriers, and disruptions in serving trans survivors experienced during the pandemic, which were organized into themes. Seven themes were generated and used as a scaffold for the development of recommendations to advance the network, including: increase communication and knowledge exchange among member organizations through the establishment of a network discussion forum and capacity building group workshops; enhance awareness of network organizations by developing a member-facing directory of member services, their contributions, and ability to provide specific supports; strengthen capacity to provide virtual and in-person services and programs through enhanced IT support and increased opportunities for knowledge sharing and skill development; and adopt a network wide syndemic approach that addresses co-occurring epidemics (COVID-19 + racism, housing insecurity, transphobia, xenophobia) that impact trans survivors of sexual assault.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Social Network Analysis , Ontario/epidemiology
17.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 2017, 2022 11 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2108757

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate an unprecedented impact on all aspects of everyday life across the world. However, those with historically and currently marginalized identities (i.e., gender or ethnicity) who already experience a wide range of structural inequities have been disproportionally impacted. LTNB are a particularly at-risk population as they lie at the intersection of race/ethnicity, gender identity, language, migration status, geographical location, among others, which could further increase their COVID-19 and other health-related risks and disparities. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of key social determinants of health (i.e., gender identity, country, health insurance, employment) among a sample of LTNB individuals. METHODS: The team implemented a cross-sectional exploratory design with an online survey technique using the secure web platforms REDcap and SurveyMonkey. A total of 133 participants completed the online survey. Most of the sample self-identified as transwomen (38.8%), transmen (26.3%), and non-binary (21.8%) between the ages of 21 to 72. All participants were Latinx living in either Puerto Rico (47.7%) or mainland United States (52.3%). Descriptive statistics, reliability tests, Mann-Whitney and rapid thematic analysis test were conducted. RESULTS: Findings show that most participants were always (38.1%) or almost always (33.3%) worried about contracting COVID-19. Individuals living in Puerto Rico reported more difficulties than those residing in the mainland US regarding COVID-19 impact on psychosocial, emotional, and COVID-related thinking. Most participants' answers for the COVID-19 open-ended questions focused on three main domains: income, access to trans-affirmative health care, and coping strategies. DISCUSSION: Findings evidence that although most of LTNB participants were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple aspects of their lives, those living in Puerto Rico experienced these differently when compared to those in mainland US. More research is needed to understand better the mechanisms and pathways through which this context specifically impacts LTNB health and wellbeing, particularly in Puerto Rico. This study could help shape the public health response taking into account the geographical location and other intersectional identities that play critical roles in the production and reproduction of inequities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , United States/epidemiology , Humans , Female , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Puerto Rico/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Reproducibility of Results , Gender Identity
19.
Glob Public Health ; 17(10): 2251-2257, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2097150

ABSTRACT

This interview with Pau González, the co-founder of Hombres Trans Panamá (Trans Men Panama, HTP), the first trans men's organization in the country, explains how Panama's gender-based lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for the trans community. HTP was one of the national civil society organizations that spearheaded the response to the cases of anti-trans discrimination under the gendered measures, urging the government to issue guidelines that would allow trans people to circulate based on their gender identity and, later, to scrap the measure altogether. González explains how the lockdown not only exacerbated the structural inequalities that trans people in the country already experienced, but also forced them to reimagine their community and their activism.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , COVID-19/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control , Female , Gender Identity , Humans , Male , Panama/epidemiology , Pandemics
20.
J Med Internet Res ; 24(10): e40989, 2022 10 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2089644

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Virtual health care use has dramatically increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the question of its potential role after the pandemic. For transgender (trans) and nonbinary (TNB) people, virtual care is promising because it may expand access to appropriate health care providers. However, emerging research indicates potential disparities in virtual care access related to sociodemographic, health, and social factors. There is a paucity of research on the factors affecting patient preferences for virtual versus in-person care, particularly in TNB communities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, health, and social factors associated with postpandemic virtual care preferences in TNB communities. METHODS: The 2020 Trans PULSE Canada COVID survey examined the health, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among 820 TNB participants who previously completed the prepandemic 2019 Trans PULSE Canada survey (n=2783). Data were weighted to the demographics of the 2019 sample. Chi-square tests were used to compare postpandemic preferences for virtual versus in-person care across sociodemographic, health, and social characteristics. Participants provided open-text responses explaining their preferences, which were used to contextualize quantitative findings. RESULTS: Among 812 participants who indicated whether they would prefer virtual or in-person care after the pandemic, a weighted 32.7% (n=275) would prefer virtual care and 67.3% (n=537) would prefer in-person care. Preference for in-person over virtual care was associated with being in the 14-19 (49/56, weighted 85.0%), 50-64 (51/62, weighted 80.0%), and ≥65 (9/10, weighted 90.7%) age groups (χ25=19.0; P=.002). Preference for virtual over in-person care was associated with having a chronic health condition (125/317, weighted 37.7% versus 150/495, weighted 29.9%; χ21=4.7; P=.03) and having probable anxiety (229/645, weighted 34.7% versus 46/167, weighted 25.7%; χ21=4.3; P=.04). Among participants with romantic partners, preferences varied based on the partner's level of support for gender identity or expression (χ23=13.3; P=.004). Participants with moderately supportive partners were more likely than participants with very supportive partners to prefer in-person care (36/43, weighted 85.1% versus 275/445, weighted 62.3%). Care preferences did not vary significantly based on the indicators of socioeconomic status. Open-text responses showed that multiple factors often interacted to influence participant preferences, and that some factors, such as having a chronic condition, simultaneously led some participants to prefer virtual care and others to prefer in-person care. CONCLUSIONS: TNB people may have differential interest in virtual care based on factors including age, chronic and mental health conditions, and gender-unsupportive home environments. Future research examining virtual care preferences would benefit from mixed methods intersectional approaches across these factors, to explore complexity in the barriers and facilitators of virtual care access and quality. These observed differences support flexibility with options to choose between in-person and virtual health care to meet TNB patients' specific health needs.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Transgender Persons , Humans , Female , Male , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Gender Identity , Patient Preference
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