Stigma among transgender and gender‐diverse people accessing healthcare: A concept analysis

Abstract

Since Goffman (1963) published Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity, the concept of stigma has been advanced through several reiterations to define and understand its characteristics (Link & Phelan, 2001). While research on this concept has been prolific in other disciplines, the literature on stigma-especially among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people-has been limited in

Stigma and healthcare access among transgender and gender‐diverse people: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…rejection by the education and healthcare systems) levels. Experiences of stigma at the individual level can also lead to maladaptive behaviours and generate anticipatory negative interactions with others, leading to a delay or avoidance of care (Arístegui et al, 2018; Reisner et al, 2017; Velasco, 2022). While individual‐level stigma threatens agency, control and meaningful existence, TGD people challenge stigma.…”

“…Furthermore, a qualitative approach is needed when data are scarce on the topic (Velasco, 2022). Extant literature on stigma and healthcare access among TGD people focuses mainly on HIV care and HIV preventative services, concentrates on enacted and anticipated stigma, explores stigma at the individual and interpersonal levels and predominantly includes transfeminine and younger TGD people (Velasco, 2022). To further understand the relationship between stigma and healthcare access among TGD people, it is critical to assess how TGD people experience stigma at various socio-ecological levels.…”

What are the perceptions of healthcare providers on the healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diversified people and stigma-related attitudes?

“…Twelve peer-reviewed articles were used to conduct the study. The articles were used to clarify and describe the relationship between antecedents, define stigma (attributes) and empirical referents as it relates to the TGD people accessing healthcare 1…”

“…The preferred reporting items, 12 peered-reviewed papers were retained about the phenomenon: ‘Stigma experienced in accessing healthcare by the TGD population.’1 The stigmatising criterias used by this study were: labelling, stereotyping, separation, status loss and discrimination that occurs together in a power situation 2. The author uses empirical referents like Transgender Knowledge Index, to clarify the attributes and understanding of the characteristics of the concept of stigma.…”

“…Despite the perceived experiences reported by the TGD patients in healthcare, it is important to explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare providers. The importance of practitioners recognising the relationship between stigma and poor healthcare inequities is needed to combat willful or non-willful interactions and behaviours 1. Willful or unwilful ignorance which results in medical negligence and or malpractice must be addressed.…”