Abstract

Background

As transgender identification rises in younger generations, it is imperative that colleges and universities account for the health and wellbeing of this growing subset of the student body. Previous research indicates that transgender populations experience unique barriers to accessing healthcare, including socioeconomic barriers and a lack of healthcare providers experienced in transgender medicine. These barriers contribute to low rates of healthcare utilization and significant health disparities in transgender populations.

Methods

A community health assessment of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) students at the University of Central Florida was conducted in order to assess: (1) students' access to and experiences with healthcare on-campus at Student Health Services and off-campus with other healthcare providers, (2) barriers affecting healthcare accessibility for TGNC students, and (3) the overall mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of this population. These measures were assessed utilizing a 15-minute online survey administered via Qualtrics distributed during the Fall 2023 semester.

Results

TGNC students' HRQOL was found to be substantially poorer than the general population, particularly with regard to mental health. The most significant socioeconomic barriers identified were related to financial dependence and insurance. Although students generally reported positive experiences with Student Health Services (SHS), respondents frequently reported lacking confidence or being unsure of their providers' knowledge of transgender medicine. Additionally, recent legislation in the state of Florida affecting the provision of transgender medicine was also identified as a significant barrier to accessing transition-related care.

Conclusion

This research reveals significant structural barriers to transgender healthcare which require large-scale, policy-level changes to fully rectify. However, simple interventions such as a workshop, training, or lecture on transgender health for providers may serve to produce more inclusive healthcare experiences for transgender students in the meantime.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Armato, Michael

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Sociology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2023

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