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Transgender and non-binary demographics, referrals, and comorbidities among young Irish adults (2014–2020)

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Abstract

Background

Over the last 6 years, there has been a change in the demographics of people presenting to gender services in Ireland. This is in line with international trends describing a higher number of transgender men (Female-Male, FTM, AFAB) presenting to gender services as compared to transgender women (Male–Female, MTF, AMAB), and lower ages at referral. Given the changes in demographics, it would be anticipated that clinical needs may have changed. This study describes the demographics of a young Irish sample (participants aged 18–30 years old) and explores the referral pathways and clinical needs of this cohort.

Methods

The study was performed as a retrospective chart review of 167 charts at The National Gender Service in Ireland over a five-month period.

Results

Transgender men represented 62.3% of the sample, transgender women 35.3%, and transmasculine/non-binary individuals represented 2.4%. Over two-thirds of participants were on gender affirming hormone therapy or GnRH antagonists and 16.1% had undergone surgical interventions. The median time from referral received to being seen at the clinic was 450 days (481 mean). Mental health comorbidities remain high with 49.1% of youth experiencing depression, a further 15.6% low mood and 26.3% anxiety.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show increasing referrals of people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) over assigned male at birth (AMAB) individuals in Ireland, and to document the clinical needs of this cohort. By understanding the changing demographics and clinical needs, we can better plan for care and service improvements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Seán Kearns, Donal O’Shea & Karl Neff

  2. National Gender Service, St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, Co., Dublin, Ireland

    Seán Kearns

Authors
  1. Seán Kearns
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  2. Donal O’Shea
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  3. Karl Neff
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Data collection and analysis were performed by Sean Kearns. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sean Kearns and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seán Kearns.

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Ethics approval

This study was collected by two clinical audits (2512 and 2513) and as such was approved by St Vincent’s University Hospital audit committee and conducted in accordance to the revised Helsinki Declaration.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Kearns, S., O’Shea, D. & Neff, K. Transgender and non-binary demographics, referrals, and comorbidities among young Irish adults (2014–2020). Ir J Med Sci 192, 1679–1685 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03163-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03163-y

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