https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6246-2441
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Abstract
Objective
This exploratory study sought to assess transgender college students’ experiences accessing primary, gynecological, and/or mental health care through university health services (UHS).
Participants and methods
Individual interviews were conducted with eleven transgender undergraduate students attending a large public university in the United States in Spring 2017.
Results
The structure, organization, and practices of UHS are not adequately meeting transgender college students’ health care needs. Students reported being repeatedly misgendered and addressed by the incorrect name by staff at UHS. Some providers asked inappropriate and irrelevant questions about their gender identity during clinical encounters. These and related experiences deterred many participants from returning to UHS for health care services.
Conclusion
UHS could improve health care delivery to transgender college students by adopting standardized and inclusive practices consistent with those recommended by The Fenway Institute.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Dr. Kay Banks, Dr. Rebecca Caldwell, Dr. Deborah Beck, Marguerite O’Brien, Dr. John Dozier, Shay Malone, Gavin Weiser, M.T. Lawter, D. Walker, A. George, and N. McFarland for their support. This study would not have been possible without all the participants who generously gave their time and shared their stories in order to provide a better understanding of the health care experiences that transgender college students face.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the University at which it was conducted.