A Comparison of Demographic and Psychosocial Characteristics Between Transgender Youth Enrolling Versus Not Enrolling in a Multisite Study

Transgend Health. 2021 Jul 30;6(4):229-234. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0060. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: To characterize demographics, psychosocial functioning, and gender-related experiences in transgender youth enrolling versus declining participation in a multisite research study. Methods: Clinical data were abstracted from patient charts at two study sites. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests, and categorical variables were compared using χ 2 tests based on study enrollment status. Results: Few significant differences were observed between enrolled and nonenrolled youth. None of these differences (i.e., designated sex at birth/gender identity; parent-reported separation anxiety; and youth-reported attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) was replicated across sites. Conclusion: Trans Youth Care findings are likely generalizable to transgender youth initiating hormone treatment at pediatric academic centers.

Keywords: gender dysphoria; gender expansive adolescents; gender-affirming care; gender-affirming hormones; research participation.