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<p>Access to affirming healthcare improves health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children (Tordoff et al. in JAMA Network Open, 2022). Yet, there is often a dearth of competent providers in rural areas. This study investigated the healthcare access experiences and needs of parents of transgender children in a rural setting. For this study, healthcare was broadly defined to include not only gender affirming care, but also other physical and mental healthcare experiences. A qualitative methodological approach, using a semi-structured interview protocol, was used as this approach enabled a richer description of the experiences of the parents of transgender children. Six parents participated in group or one-to-one interviews upon receiving written consent. Thematic analysis identified four major themes, each with two or three subthemes: specific needs of children, lack of local care, provider attitudes, and existing supports. Results displayed the overwhelming gap in current healthcare for TGD children in a rural setting. Continued education and efforts within the healthcare community to assist TGD children are desperately needed. Further research, with the expansion of a broader range of participants and increased inclusion of children of color, is needed.</p>

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Navigating Rural Medical Systems: The Experiences of Parents of Trans Children

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月13日

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  • Michele Schlehofer,
  • Alison Sutton-Ryan,
  • Jeffrey Willey,
  • Daniel Green,
  • Kimberly van Vulpen

摘要

Access to affirming healthcare improves health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children (Tordoff et al. in JAMA Network Open, 2022). Yet, there is often a dearth of competent providers in rural areas. This study investigated the healthcare access experiences and needs of parents of transgender children in a rural setting. For this study, healthcare was broadly defined to include not only gender affirming care, but also other physical and mental healthcare experiences. A qualitative methodological approach, using a semi-structured interview protocol, was used as this approach enabled a richer description of the experiences of the parents of transgender children. Six parents participated in group or one-to-one interviews upon receiving written consent. Thematic analysis identified four major themes, each with two or three subthemes: specific needs of children, lack of local care, provider attitudes, and existing supports. Results displayed the overwhelming gap in current healthcare for TGD children in a rural setting. Continued education and efforts within the healthcare community to assist TGD children are desperately needed. Further research, with the expansion of a broader range of participants and increased inclusion of children of color, is needed.