A Mixed Methods Study on Healthcare Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults.

This study assessed healthcare transition (HCT) readiness and barriers to HCT among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescent and young adults (AYA) using mixed-method techniques. Fifty TGD AYA participants were surveyed using a validated transition readiness assessment questionnaire and open-ended questions examining challenges, influential factors, and health implications of HCT. Open-ended responses underwent qualitative analysis to identify consistent themes and response frequency. Participants felt most prepared for communicating with providers and completing medical forms and least prepared for navigating insurance/financial systems. Half of the participants anticipated worsening mental health during HCT, with additional concerns related to transfer logistics and transphobia/discrimination. Participants identified intrinsic skills and external factors (such as social relationships) that would contribute to a more successful HCT. TGD AYA face unique challenges in navigating the transition to adult health care, particularly related to concerns of discrimination and negative impacts on mental health, but these challenges may be mitigated by certain intrinsic resilience factors as well as targeted support from personal networks and pediatric providers.

Informations de copyright

Copyright © 2023 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.