Health and Healthcare Service Use: The Experiences of Runaway Trans Adolescents Compared to their Peers

ABSTRACT

This study is the first trans-inclusive exploration of the relation between running away from home, health, and access to healthcare and supportive figures as a function of gender among adolescents. Secondary data analysis of the 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey found that trans adolescents were 4.25 times as likely as males, and 3.0 times as likely as females, to have run away. Logistic regressions indicated that runaway adolescents of all genders had greater odds of reporting poor or fair overall health (OR: 2.9) and mental health (OR: 4.5), and of foregoing needed physical (OR: 4.8) and mental health care (OR: 4.5) compared to adolescents who had not run away. The relation between running away and health was exacerbated among trans adolescents. Trans and female youth were also less likely than males to report receiving helpful support. Findings highlight the importance of offering trans-affirming services and care to mitigate harms associated with running away from home.

KEYWORDS:

• Transgender
• runaway
• adolescents
• health
• gender
• healthcare access
• housing

Acknowledgments

This research was carried out using data from McCreary Centre Society, and would not be possible without the Centre’s research team or data stewardship. This research was supported by the Dr. James Rossiter Practicum Award.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.