Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Transgender people are a diverse population affected by a variety of negative health indicators. Studies report, among other conditions, a high prevalence of mental health problems and substance abuse. However, there are still health issues that have been poorly analyzed and long-term longitudinal follow-up studies are scarce.

Objective: The aim of this study is to deep into the demographic characteristics and the psychosocial profile of transgender people attended at the Gender Identity Unit of Hospital Puerta del Mar (Cadiz), as a provincial reference unit.

Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with data collected during the first visit to the psychology consultation between January of 2019 and December of 2020. 21% of transgender people treated in our unit requested an assessment by a clinical psychologist. The endocrinologist is responsible for making the referral to the psychologist if necessary. Demographic variables and other parameters of the psychosocial sphere are analyzed.

Results: Of the 124 people included in this study, 53% were transwomen and 47% transmen. The mean age was 20.54±6.85 years. Regarding the level of studies, 3.4% had primary studies, 45.7% secondary studies, 27.6% higher studies and 23.3% vocational training. Family support was recognized by 85.5% of the population and 37% had a partner. 46.2% declared bullying in the social field. Gender incongruence began in childhood in 59.1%. Gender affirming hormones have been started in the 31.2% of people analyzed. Reasons for consultation were: anxious-depressive symptoms in 22% of the cases, doubts about gender affirming hormones in 14.4%, family non-acceptance in 6.8%, psychological support in 33.3%, gender dysphoria in 5.3%, various requeriments 6.1% and others in 11.4%. The attitudes most frequently taken on the first visit were: psychoeducation in 31.8% of the cases, family therapy in 5.3% and support in 51.5%.

Conclusions: In our setting, transgender people who request a follow-up in a clinical psychology consultation are mainly young people, with a history of gender incongruence since childhood and a frequent history of bullying. The reasons for the assitance demand are mainly the accompaniment in the gender reassignment process and the management of anxious-depressive symptoms.