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Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Were More Common for Transgender Individuals Whose Gender-Affirming Surgeries Were Cancelled or Delayed Due to COVID-19: A Global Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Gender-affirming surgeries, which have well-established mental health benefits, were cancelled and delayed for transgender people worldwide during the COVID-19 crisis. Of 253 scheduled gender-affirming surgeries among transgender adults across 35 countries in late 2020, 27% ( n =69) reported that the COVID-19 crisis limited their access to gender-affirming surgery (i.e., cancelled, postponed indefinitely, or rescheduled). In adjusted models, respondents with reduced access to surgeries were somewhat more likely to screen positive for depressive or anxiety symptoms, whereas those who maintained access were more likely to report higher levels of happiness. Our findings illustrate the transgender-specific harms of the COVID-19 crisis on gender-affirming surgeries and mental health.

Source: Transgender Health

DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0052

Authors: Anna Marie Fennell, Aaron A. Wiegand, Arjee Restar, Jennifer L. Glick, Sam Wilson Beckham, Brooke A. Jarrett

Institutions: Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: Strong