Abstract
To identify the age when individuals first perceive gender incongruence (GI) and to compare sociodemographic data of female-to-male (FtM) and male-to-female (MtF) transgender individuals assisted at an outpatient service. The present cross-sectional study was conducted through a review of the medical records of individuals diagnosed with GI at a single specialized outpatient service in the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 193 medical records from 2010 to 2018 were evaluated, and 109 (56.5%) patients had GI since childhood. The FtM transgender individuals perceived GI in childhood more often than the MtF transgender individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 2.06, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.11-3.81) Unattended hormone use was highest among the MtF group (69.6% versus 32.3%; OR: 4.78, 95%CI: 2.53-9.03). All of the individuals who were engaged in prostitution or were diagnosed with a sexually-transmitted infection, including HIV, were in the MtF group. Despite the more prevalent perception of GI in childhood among the FtM group, social issues were more prevalent among the MtF group, which may be the result of social marginalization.
Highlights
Gender identity is usually established when an individual begins to develop the physical characteristics that are typical of a mature male or female
Despite the more prevalent perception of Gender incongruence (GI) in childhood among the FtM group, social issues were more prevalent among the MtF group, which may be the result of social marginalization
Todos as pessoas que estavam inseridas na prostituição ou que apresentavam algum diagnóstico de infecção sexualmente transmissível, incluindo o HIV, eram mulheres trans
Summary
Gender identity is usually established when an individual begins to develop the physical characteristics that are typical of a mature male or female. Little is known about the complex processes that underlie the formation of gender identity, but interactions between psychosocial and biological factors appear to be important.[2]. A child’s perception of being a female or male arises gradually, and about 6% of boys and 12% of girls resist the sociallyimposed stereotypes regarding clothing and games and play, and engage in behaviors considered inappropriate for their biological sex.[2]. Prospective data has suggested that 2% to 27% of children who have characteristics of GI will maintain this condition in adulthood, and that the presence of GI in adulthood is associated with a stronger expression of GI in childhood.[4]. Children and adolescents who experience GI need the attention of health care providers, because GI can cause psychological distress and the desire to alter the body’s appearance.[5]
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