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Abstract

Purpose:

As India is making legal and policy-level changes to protect the interests of transgender (TG) individuals, there has been an increase in the number of TG individuals seeking help from medical professionals. There is still a lack of information regarding the life experiences of TG individuals from India. These life experiences may affect their mental health and help-seeking behaviors. This study conducted in a mental health facility in South India aims to describe the mental health of TG individuals initiating gender-affirming procedures and its psychosocial correlates.

Methods:

Consecutive adult (>18 years) TG individuals visiting an outpatient psychiatric facility for psychiatric certification before initiating gender-affirming procedures for 6 months were approached for the study. Using a cross-sectional, observational methodology, standardized scales of mental health status and quality of life and various psychosocial stresses, including prejudice and discrimination, were administered to the consenting participants.

Results:

Moderate to severe depressive anxiety and depressive symptoms were reported by 24.5% of the 53 participants. Discrimination was reported by 66%, verbal abuse by 60.4%, sexual assault by 20.8%, and physical assault by 20.8% of the individuals. A significant correlation was observed between exposure to verbal abuse and TG identity stigma and a negative correlation between discrimination and the environmental domain of quality of life.

Conclusions:

Mental health problems, discrimination, and interpersonal violence are common among TG individuals in India. Society and mental health professionals must be made aware of this to help this underserved population.

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