Experiences of trans patients in primary care settings: findings from The OutLook Study

Abstract

Background Relationships between primary care providers (PCP) and trans patients remain important, necessitating discussions about gender identity, health and their intersections. Methods Using an online survey, we explored socio-demographic and psycho-social factors associated with: (1) disclosing gender identity; (2) discussing gender identity-related health issues; and (3) comfort sharing gender identity with PCPs, among trans people (n = 112) over 16 years of age, sampled in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Bivariate and multivariate methods using modified Poisson regression generated effect estimates. Results Age, birth presumed gender, employment status, family support, and transphobia were significantly associated with disclosing gender identity, discussing gender identity-related health issues, and comfortability sharing gender identity with PCPs. Conclusion Increasing PCPs’ knowledge of trans-related health issues is stressed to improve access and quality for trans patients.