Journal article
Access to transition-related health care among transmasculine people in India: A mixed-methods investigation
PLOS global public health, v 4(10), e0003506
29 Oct 2024
PMID: 39471207
Abstract
Little research has examined the health care experiences of transmasculine people in India, where government initiatives to improve access to transition-related (also called gender-affirmative) care have recently been announced. We draw on data from
‘
Our Health Matters’, a mixed-methods community-based participatory research project, to characterize the transition-related care experiences of transmasculine people in India. Peer researchers conducted 40 virtual qualitative interviews in Hindi or Marathi from July to September 2021. Between November 2022 and January 2023, 377 transmasculine people participated in a multi-mode survey available in five languages. Qualitative data were analysed with a combination of framework analysis and grounded theory techniques. Data were mixed using a convergent parallel approach. Transmasculine persons’ care journeys began with information-seeking, relying on peers and internet searches. In choosing between the public and private healthcare systems, they weighed issues of quality and affordability: the public system was perceived as lower-quality and difficult to access but most could not afford private care, leading to delays in care. Indeed, unmet need was common; 36.4% of survey participants were planning but had not begun to receive transition-related care and 80.2% wanted at least one transition-related surgery. Although some participants encountered stigma and refusal of care when seeking hormones, survey participants reported largely positive experiences with their hormone prescribers, which may reflect the influence of peer referrals. Participants underwent psychological assessments prior to transition-related care, which some experienced as disempowering and a barrier to disclosing mental health challenges. Finally, participants who were able to access care reported improved well-being, although surgical dissatisfaction was not uncommon (26.2%). Trans-inclusive medical training and continuing education are critical to enhancing access to high-quality transition-related care. Transmasculine people generally relied on peers and grassroots organizations for information, system navigation, and financial assistance. Strengthening these existing community resources may improve access to care.
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Details
- Title
- Access to transition-related health care among transmasculine people in India: A mixed-methods investigation
- Creators
- Venkatesan Chakrapani - Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and PolicyHeather Santos - Drexel UniversityMadhusudana Battala - Population Council InstituteShaman GuptaSatvik SharmaAditya BataviaSahil Jamal SiddiquiKelly A. Courts - Drexel UniversityAyden I. Scheim - Western University
- Publication Details
- PLOS global public health, v 4(10), e0003506
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Number of pages
- 22
- Grant note
- R21MH125263 / ;
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001418167100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85208231808
- Other Identifier
- 991021933415604721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health