Examining Cervical Cancer Preventive Behaviors for Latinx Transmasculine Individuals among Medical Students.

Alíxida Ramos-Pibernus,Malynie Blanco,Coral Jiménez-Ricaurte,Mario Bermonti-Pérez,Julian Silva-Reteguis,Marta Febo,Eliut Rivera-Segarra,Fabian Moreta-Ávila,David Mejías-Serrano,Paola Carminelli-Corretjer,Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali,Lellanes Justiz

doi:10.3390/ijerph18030851

Abstract

Latinx transmasculine men (LTM) can be at a particularly high risk for cervical cancer as they lie at the intersection of two health disparity populations (gender and ethnic minorities). Previous research using self-report measures has documented how negative interactions with providers are a key barrier for cervical cancer screening among LTM. However, no research to date has examined, via direct observation, cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine cervical cancer preventive behaviors in clinical interactions between medical students and an LTM. The team implemented standardized patient simulations (simulations of clinical interactions with actors portraying the role of a patient), self-report measures, and observational techniques. A total of 37 medical students participated in the study. The results were mixed with some key behaviors neglected (i.e., asking if the patient preferred to collect the HPV test sample by himself), while others were enacted (i.e., checking family history of cervical cancer). Further research is needed to better understand behaviors in clinical interactions with LTM as well as how to improve them.

Highlights

Transmasculine individuals (TM; assigned to the female sex at birth but who live their lives as men or within the masculine spectrum) who have a cervix may be at a higher risk of cervical cancer [1,2,3]
The findings suggest an alarming scenario in which medical students seem to lack important clinical skills for engaging in cervical cancer prevention efforts with Latinx TM (LTM)
Key cervical cancer preventive behaviors recommended by guidelines and recent research evidence [6,22,23,24,25,26] were not exhibited, such as asking about hysterectomy, checking for specific symptoms linked to cervical cancer, and asking if self-sample collection for screening was preferable

Summary

Introduction

Transmasculine individuals (TM; assigned to the female sex at birth but who live their lives as men or within the masculine spectrum) who have a cervix may be at a higher risk of cervical cancer [1,2,3]. Research has documented that TM patients are screened less and have lower odds of being up-to-date with cervical cancer screening compared to cisgender women (persons whose gender identity correspond to the assigned sex at birth) [4,5]. Latinx TM (LTM) could be at an even higher cervical cancer risk as they lie at the intersection of two health disparity populations (gender and ethnic minorities). Research has documented that when interacting with healthcare providers, LTM often feel stigmatized and are provided with substandard levels of care [12,13].

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion