Seeking help when transgender: Exploring the difference in mental and physical health seeking behaviors between transgender and cisgender individuals in Ireland

Abstract

Background: While there is growing awareness of the need to support the physical and mental wellbeing of transgender people, some may be reluctant to seek help from healthcare professionals. Little is understood about the mechanisms that influence help-seeking behavior in this group. Aims: This study aimed to compare transgender and cisgender participants in their likelihood to seek help for both physical and mental health conditions, and to explore whether this help-seeking behavior is predicted by a range of sociodemographic and psychological variables. Methods: 123 participants living in Ireland (cisgender¼ 67; transgender¼ 56) completed a questionnaire which included demographic questions, as well as measures of optimism (LOT-R), self-esteem (RSES), psychological distress (GHQ-12), attitudes towards seeking psychological help (ATSPPH-SF), and attitudes towards seeking help for a physical health problem (Attitudes Towards Seeking Medical Help Scale-Action/Intervention subscale). Associations between predictor variables and mental and physical health seeking were explored using correlation analysis and stepwise regressions. Results: Transgender participants were less likely to seek help for a physical health issue than cisgender participants, but did not differ in mental health help-seeking behaviors. Results suggest that this may be due to differences in optimism, self-esteem and psychological distress. Transgender participants had significantly lower optimism and self-esteem, which were two factors linked to poorer physical health seeking behaviors. Optimism also emerged as a significant predictor in mental health seeking behaviors. Discussion: The lack of a significant difference for mental health help-seeking between the transgender and cisgender participants is encouraging, as it suggests that there is less stigma surrounding mental illness than expected, however findings also contradict previous findings suggesting that physical health is less stigmatized. This could be due to stigma relating to gender-specific healthcare and suggests that healthcare professionals should acknowledge the specific healthcare needs and concerns among transgender individuals.

Correlates of wanting to seek help for mental health and substance use concerns by sexual and gender minority young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A machine learning analysis

“…Notably, in our sample, bisexual, queer and questioning, cisgender, and gender diverse participants, who experienced mental health challenges or had adequate housing, were more likely to want to seek help than others (Figs 5 and 6 ). This finding contradicts previous research, where trans people were similar to cisgender people or more likely to experience mental health challenges and seek help than cisgender participants [ 55 , 66 ]. While future research should explore the reason behind these differences, these findings should be taken into account for the purpose of targeted prevention and intervention to reduce health disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ young adults.…”

When women win, we all win—Call for a gendered global NCD agenda

“…Fundamentally, it is also important to appreciate that gender in and of itself is a complex construct that is further delineated by associations with gender identity and sexual orientation (Figure 1, Personal Attributes). Populations outside of conventionally defined gender groups may have worse health outcomes as compared to their counterparts due to prejudice, stigma, fear of accessing healthcare, and lack of appropriate care when they do pursue it, such as in the case of transgendered populations 20–22 . Furthermore, multiple socioeconomic factors interact with gender, including age, race, income, and employment, 23 and therefore strategies approaching gender as a silo may fall short.…”

“…Populations outside of conventionally defined gender groups may have worse health outcomes as compared to their counterparts due to prejudice, stigma, fear of accessing healthcare, and lack of appropriate care when they do pursue it, such as in the case of transgendered populations. 20 , 21 , 22 Furthermore, multiple socioeconomic factors interact with gender, including age, race, income, and employment, 23 and therefore strategies approaching gender as a silo may fall short. Gender and race constitute a key example of the intersection of two such factors, and the importance of targeted interventions that address both concomitantly.…”

Help-seeking and challenges faced by transwomen following exposure to gender-based violence; a qualitative study in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda

“…There is a growing body of evidence linking exposure to GBV to other health risks including HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially through its intermediate risk factors such as substance use, risky sexual behaviours, limited access to healthcare, and lack of access to justice [ 11 ]. The health risks associated with GBV can be mitigated by improving the help-seeking behaviours of survivors [ 12 ]. Help-seeking involves a wide range of behaviours such as seeking advice and support from friends and family, obtaining counseling and/or medical care, calling law enforcement in the event of GBV, moving to a violence shelter, pursuing an order of protection, and access to legal services [ 13 ].…”