Differences Between Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Michigan Currently Using Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy and Nonusers Reporting Interest in Future Use.

Purpose: This study explores the sociodemographic, insurance coverage, and substance use differences among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals currently using hormone therapy (HT) and those who have an interest in future HT use. Methods: We surveyed TGD individuals in Michigan in 2018 to examine sociodemographic, health insurance, and substance use differences between those who had used HT and those who were interested but had never accessed HT using logistic regression models. Results: Respondents (N = 536) were 80.1% White and 18.0% nonbinary. About two-thirds of the participants had ever used HT (65.7%). In multivariate analyses, nonbinary participants were much more likely to be interested in future HT use than transmasculine individuals (odds ratio [OR] = 6.91), yet no significant difference between transmasculine and transfeminine individuals was found. Black participants also had higher odds of interest in future HT use (OR = 8.79). Those who did not know if they had trans-specific insurance coverage (OR = 42.39) and those who had no trans-specific insurance coverage (OR = 4.50) were more likely to be in the future interest group compared with those who reported full trans care coverage. Those with a bachelor's degree were less likely to be in the future interest group than those with some college education or an associate's degree, as were heavy marijuana users. Conclusion: Nonbinary individuals may be interested in HT but lack access, and known health care disparities around race and socioeconomic status may also impact HT access. Standard and transparent insurance coverage for gender-affirming care is sorely needed.

Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults.

Purpose: Little is known about the prevalence and risks associated with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons' misuse of prescription pain relievers (PPRs). This study explores the relationship between PPR misuse and various sociodemographic identities and experiences of discrimination in health care among TGD adults. Methods: TGD participants (n=595) were recruited in 2018 to participate in a cross-sectional statewide trans health survey through convenience sampling. Chi-square tests of independence and logistic regressions were conducted to explore associations between sociodemographics and experiences of discrimination among persons who had ever misused PPRs, or who had misused PPRs in the past year. Results: Sociodemographics such as gender identity (odds ratio [OR]=0.44, p=0.01), race/ethnicity (OR=0.14, p<0.001), and sexual orientation influence TGD individuals likeliness of misusing PPRs (OR=0.40, p<0.001). Notably, those who were ever diagnosed with anxiety had a higher likeliness of having lifetime PPR misuse compared with those who were never diagnosed (OR=2.05, p=0.05), and those reporting past-year discrimination within the mental health care setting because of their gender identity were more than twice as likely to report past-year misuse than those who reported not experiencing it (OR=2.43, p=0.004). Conclusion: Certain subpopulations of TGD individuals may be at elevated risk of PPR misuse. It is imperative to acknowledge the impact of multimarginalized identities as well as differences across various identities and experiences within the TGD community while working to address non-PPR misuse.

Sexually transmitted infection testing among transgender and non-binary persons: results of a community-based cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Studies show higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among transgender (trans) and non-binary (TNB) persons compared with the general population. Scant studies have examined non-HIV STI testing (henceforth referred to as STI testing); fewer inclusive of trans men and non-binary persons. We characterised the prevalence of STI testing and time since last STI test and gender-based differences in these outcomes among TNB persons. METHODS: Data were analysed from a 2018 community-based participatory cross-sectional survey (n =528). Prevalence of lifetime STI testing history and time since last STI test were reported overall and compared across genders (trans men, trans women, non-binary assigned female at-birth, non-binary assigned male at-birth) using Chi-squared, then bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to compare lifetime STI testing history (ever vs never) across sociodemographic and health care characteristics. RESULTS: Most (n =425; 80.5%) participants reported having ever had an STI test; over half (59.8%) ever tested had tested within the past year. Bivariate analyses showed no significant gender differences in lifetime STI testing history (P =0.298) or time since last STI test (P =0.118). In a multivariable model, higher age, reporting multiple committed partners (vs single/divorced), known HIV status, and ever receiving information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were positively associated with ever having had an STI test, whereas Latinx race/ethnicity (vs white) was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed high rates of lifetime STI testing and recent testing, with no gender-based differences. Never testing rates were concerning considering screening recommendations. Broad based (non-gender specific) TNB-focused interventions may be warranted to increase uptake.

HIV testing among transgender and nonbinary persons in Michigan, United States: results of a community-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender (trans) and nonbinary people (TNB) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. HIV testing is critical to engage TNB people in HIV prevention and care. Yet, scant literature has examined social and structural factors associated with HIV testing among TNB people of diverse genders and in geographies with potentially lower trans acceptance. We: (1) characterized the prevalence of never having been tested for HIV; and (2) identified associated factors, among TNB people in Michigan, United States. METHODS: Data were from a community-based participatory cross-sectional survey (n = 539 sexually experienced TNB people). The prevalence of never having had an HIV test was reported overall and compared across socio-demographic, clinical, social and structural factors using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Approximately one-quarter (26.2%) of participants had never had an HIV test (20.8% transfeminine; 30.0% transmasculine; 17.8% nonbinary assigned male at-birth; and 32.0% nonbinary assigned female at-birth). In a multivariable socio-demographic model, older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for 1-year increase: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.96, p<0.001) and Black/African American race (vs. White) (aOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.86, p<0.05) were associated with increased odds of HIV testing (aORs for never testing). In separate multivariable models controlling for socio-demographics, ever experiencing sexual violence (aOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.67, p<0.001), not accessed sexual/reproductive healthcare in the past 12 months (aOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 2.68, 7.43, p<0.001) and reporting a very/somewhat inclusive primary care provider (PCP) (aOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.49, p<0.001) were associated with HIV testing (aORs for never testing). CONCLUSIONS: Findings contribute to scant literature about gender-based differences in HIV testing inclusive of transmasculine and nonbinary people. Lack of statistically significant gender differences suggests that broad TNB interventions may be warranted. These could include training healthcare providers in trans-inclusive practices with sexual violence survivors and PCPs in trans-inclusive HIV prevention and care. Findings showing Black participants were less likely to have never had an HIV test suggest the promise of culturally tailored services, though further investigation is needed. Findings identify social and structural factors associated with HIV testing and can inform multi-level interventions to increase TNB person's HIV testing.

Differential Experiences of Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults.

Various forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) are unfortunately common amongst adults in the United States, and these rates are devastatingly higher for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals than for the general population. However, the TGD population is not monolithic, and is diverse regarding gender, sexual orientation, age, race/ethnicity, urbanicity, and other sociodemographic categories. This study uses data from the 2018 Michigan Trans Health Survey to explore these within group differences regarding sexual, physical, and emotional forms of IPV using chi-square tests of independence and logistic regressions. Chi square tests of independence found homelessness had significant associations across all outcome variables: "ever experienced physical violence from a partner," "ever experienced forced sex from a partner," "ever been threatened to be outed by a partner," and "ever had gender belittled by a partner." Gender identity and sexual orientation had significant associations with "ever experienced forced sex from a partner," "ever been threatened to be outed by a partner," and "ever had gender belittled by a partner." Urbanicity showed a significant association with "ever being threatened to be outed by a partner." In the logistic regressions, age indicated significantly higher likelihood of IPV physical IPV with each year of age; experiences of homelessness were significantly related to likelihood for all outcomes variables. Gender and sexual orientation were also significant across the models, with differing levels of likeliness depending on identities. Findings demonstrate a need for TGD inclusive programming, and specifically programs that target TGD persons who are older, report additional genders (meaning, multiple identities and/or identities besides transfeminine, transmasculine, or nonbinary), queer sexual orientations, and who are/have experienced homelessness. Programs are needed both in the realms of intimate partner violence prevention work and social services that support survivors of violence, such as mental health clinics, rape crisis centers, and shelters.

Differential Experiences of Mental Health among Trans/Gender Diverse Adults in Michigan.

Transgender and gender diverse individuals experience high rates of health disparities, as compared with their cisgender (non-transgender) counterparts. One area in which these disparities is most grave is that of mental health, with some studies indicating transgender and gender diverse individuals as having a 40% rate of lifetime suicide attempts and similarly high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. These rates vary further within this population, with differential rates seen across sociodemographic factors, including race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, education level, and income. This study explores mental health experiences across different social identities, using data from the 2018 Michigan Trans Health Survey (N = 659), a community-based participatory action research project collected in Michigan, United States, analyzed using chi-square tests of independence and logistic regressions. Findings indicate incredibly high rates of mental health concerns; 72.2% had been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime and 73.0% had been diagnosed with anxiety in their lifetime. In the past year, 49.9% had had non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) thoughts, 45.4% had suicidal thoughts, 26.3% engaged in NSSI, and 7.7% had attempted suicide. Bivariate regressions showed some nuanced experiences of rates of mental health diagnoses and experiences, such as greater odds of experiencing all mental health disparities among those with disabilities, and differential odds across gender in regard to ever having a depression diagnosis, non-suicidal self-injury thoughts and engaging in non-suicidal self-injury behavior. This indicates a need for social workers, counselors, therapists, and other human services professionals to act more intentionally and with an intersectional lens when it comes to exploring the mental health of transgender and gender diverse persons.

Development and Validation of the Trans-Inclusive Provider Scale.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender and gender diverse individuals experience a variety of barriers to accessing culturally responsive care across different types of health services. This study develops and validates a scale to assess for trans-inclusive healthcare practices, which may be used in a variety of ways. METHODS: The authors and community partners developed 34 initial practices indicating provider inclusivity of transgender and gender diverse patients. Data were collected in 2018, using an online survey of transgender and gender diverse adults in Michigan (n=626), analyzed in 2019. RESULTS: An exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The following 6 components were retained with 27 items: trans-inclusive messaging, name/pronoun usage, outreach, gender-affirming practice, referral comfort, and inclusive intake forms. Full sample analysis showed Cronbach's α to be 0.91. The sample was split in half to run 2 sets of cases in a principal components analysis, Sample A (n=323) and Sample B (n=303). Percentage of variance explained and Cronbach's α were consistent across samples, giving evidence to reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the Trans-Inclusive Provider Scale may be useful in identifying providers' behaviors regarding inclusivity of transgender and gender diverse patients and provide growth opportunities at both individual and practice levels. It could also guide improvements after trainings or be used as a micro-intervention, allowing providers to assess behaviors and identify opportunities to improve.

Transgender/gender nonconforming adults' worries and coping actions related to discrimination: Relevance to pharmacist care.

PURPOSE: Transgender/gender nonconforming (TGNC) adults' worries and coping actions related to discrimination by healthcare professionals were evaluated. METHODS: A community-led participatory approach was used to develop, implement, and analyze the survey. Respondents were recruited using a snowball recruitment method. The questionnaire measured population demographics, health status, worry about discrimination, perceptions of health professional competency in gender-affirming care, and actions taken to cope with discrimination. Analysis used mainly descriptive methods and chi-square analysis, where appropriate. RESULTS: There were 316 usable responses from a total of 325 responses. The typical respondent was young, white, lived within the Midwest and in urban/suburban areas. About half had college degrees and 41.7% had annual household incomes of less than $25,000. High degrees of depression risk and anxiety were reported along with low self-reported health status. Most used pharmacist services with 41.6% reporting worry about discrimination associated with such services. About half (52.5%) reported pharmacists as having very little or no competency in providing gender-affirming care. Common coping actions included delayed seeking of healthcare and non-disclosure of authentic gender identity. Thirteen percent of respondents avoided healthcare because of perceived purposeful embarrassment experienced at a pharmacy. CONCLUSION: Worry about discrimination from pharmacists was common among TGNC adults and was associated with high levels of anxiety. The majority perceived pharmacists to lack competency in transgender care.