Martinez-Sabater, Antonio , Chover-Sierra, Elena , Del Pozo-Herce, Pablo , Tovar-Reinoso, Alberto , Cano-Ruiz, Natalia , Araujo-Blesa, Marta , Curto-Ramos, Javier , Mora-Navarro, Gustavo , Martinez-Pascual, Raquel , Juarez-Vela, Raul , Carpintero-Blas, Eva Garcia
No
Adv Clin Exp Med
Article
Científica
19/08/2025
001553528500001
Background. Despite legal advances and the depathologization of transgender identities, transgender individuals still face significant barriers and discrimination within healthcare systems. A pervasive lack of training in gender diversity among healthcare professionals often results in uncomfortable, even hostile, clinical encounters, exacerbating physical and mental health vulnerabilities. Consequently, fear of stigma and discrimination leads many transgender people to avoid seeking care, placing their wellbeing at further risk due to delayed or foregone medical attention. Objectives. To explore transgender individuals' perceptions of healthcare professionals' awareness and responsiveness to their care and support needs in the Valencian Community (Spain). Materials and methods. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with a phenomenological approach in the Valencian Community. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 14 participants. Data were collected between April and June 2022 via in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended interviews. The study comprised 2 sequential phases: An initial focus group session, followed by individual interviews conducted using a snowball sampling technique. Results. We identified 3 thematic domains: T1: Experiences of professional care among transgender individuals; T2: Impact of cisgender-centric regulations within the healthcare system; T3: Gender diversity education needs for healthcare professionals. Conclusions. The transformation of the health system is urgent to ensure inclusive and equitable care for transgender people. According to the interviews, they considerthat bettertraining of professionals will improve their care. In addition, they highlight the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers, create specific protocols, and improve access to specialized treatment. Implementing inclusive public policies will contribute to a fairer and more accessible system.
qualitative research; social determinants of health; transgender; health disparities; gender diversity