Navigating Health Disparities: Chronic Illness in Gender Expansive Communities

It’s been a while since I have written anything for the blog. Life has been busy to say the least. But I haven’t forgotten about this blog, and anyone that reads my blog posts, so I am back with another post about chronic illness. This time, I wanted to write about chronic illness and the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community to shed light on the health disparities that affect these individuals. When it comes to TGNC individuals, the intersection of chronic illness and health disparities adds an extra layer of complexity. 

Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare among different groups of people. TGNC individuals often face higher rates of chronic illnesses compared to the general population and factors such as discrimination, stigma, and lack of culturally competent healthcare contribute to health disparities (Center for American Progress, 2021; Rich, et. al., 2020; Tran, et. al., 2023). In addition, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals may experience chronic illnesses that are directly related to, and exacerbated by, societal factors. In one study, after accounting for demographic variables, drinking, and smoking, sexual and gender minorities reported higher rates of asthma, arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and COPD. Additionally, mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are prevalent among this community due to the impact of discrimination, social isolation, and the struggle for acceptance. Not to mention the higher cost of healthcare, lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare providers, delayed medical care, fewer routine check-ups, and issues taking medications due to cost all play a role in the development and management of chronic health conditions (Pinnamaneni, et. al., 2022). 

One of the significant challenges faced by TGNC individuals with chronic illnesses is lack of inclusive and knowledgeable healthcare services. Many healthcare providers may not be well-versed in the unique healthcare needs of this community, leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, or a reluctance to seek medical care. The fear of discrimination and judgment often prevents TGNC individuals from accessing essential healthcare services, further exacerbating health disparities. Lastly, prejudice and discrimination in the workplace often leads to lack of career opportunities and advancement for many individuals in this community leading to economic disadvantages and inadequate or no health insurance. 

To address health disparities in the TGNC community, it is crucial to prioritize culturally competent care. Healthcare providers need to be educated on the specific health needs and challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Creating an inclusive and welcoming healthcare environment is essential to building trust and encouraging regular medical check-ups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides some helpful tips to get healthcare providers started. You can find more information at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/transforming-health/health-care-providers/affirmative-care.html#understanding

Furthermore, community support and advocacy play a vital role in improving the overall well-being of TGNC individuals with chronic illnesses. Support groups, both online and offline, provide a space for individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and foster a sense of belonging. In addition, advocacy efforts are necessary to push for policy changes, increase awareness, and promote inclusivity within the healthcare system. 

Addressing health disparities in the context of chronic illness for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals requires a multifaceted approach. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and society as a whole need to work collaboratively to create an environment where TGNC individuals can access competent and compassionate care. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by this community, we can take significant strides towards building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for everyone. 

References: 

Rich A. J., Scheim A.I., Koehoorn M., & Poteat T. (2020). Non-HIV chronic disease burden among transgender populations globally: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Prev Med Rep. 20, doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101259. 

Center for American Progress. (2021). Fact sheet: Protecting and advancing health care for transgender adult communities. Retrieved from https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fact-sheet-protecting-advancing-health-care-transgender-adult-communities/

Pinnamaneni, M., Payne, L., Jackson, J., Cheng, C.I., Cascio, M.A. (2022) Disparities in chronic physical health conditions in sexual and gender minority people using the United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Prev Med Rep. 28, doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101881. 

Tran, N.K., Lunn, M.R., Schulkey, C.E., et al. (2023) Prevalence of 12 common health conditions in sexual and gender minority participants in the All of Us Research Program. JAMA Netw Open. 6(7). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.24969