Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to generate knowledge of the nutrition-related health disparities and barriers to adequate nutrition and health that transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) university students experience.Methods: A needs assessment was conducted with 26 transgender/GNC students enrolled at a large public Midwestern university from November 2017 through February 2018. Interviews and surveys were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding nutrition-related health disparities and barriers, and to identify potential interventions to reduce the disparities or barriers.Results: Major themes emerged around food insecurity, body image, nutrition knowledge and skills, dietary intake, and barriers to healthy eating and positive body image. Other themes included inclusiveness of existing resources and resource needs and preferences.Conclusion: Participants identified interventions that could be introduced on campus to improve their health and nutrition status. Comparisons between study participants and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) populations in the Midwest and with the general student population at the same university show poorer results for dietary intake, body image behaviors, and food security among transgender/GNC study participants. Overall, this study provides a deeper understanding of nutrition-related needs among transgender/GNC university students.
Highlights
Transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) communities are vulnerable populations characterized by the disadvantaged distribution of social goods and services that affect health outcomes.[1]
A needs assessment was conducted with 26 transgender/GNC students enrolled at a large public Midwestern university from November 2017 through February 2018
This study focuses on two questions: (1) What are the nutrition-related needs and barriers to health among transgender/GNC students on campus, and (2) what are potential interventions that could be introduced on campus to improve the health and nutrition status of transgender/GNC students?
Summary
Transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) communities are vulnerable populations characterized by the disadvantaged distribution of social goods and services that affect health outcomes.[1]. Of the research on transgender health that is available, most work focuses on sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS.[2]. Some research is available regarding nutrition-related health disparities that affect transgender/GNC communities, including eating disorders, food insecurity, and chronic diseases.[3,4,5,6] For example, studies have found that transgender communities are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarctions when compared with their cisgender counterparts.[4,5] more research is needed to better understand how these conditions are related to factors such as hormone treatment and dietary habits in transgender/GNC populations. Previous studies, including one focusing on university students, confirmed that transgender participants experience significantly increased odds of disordered eating behaviors compared with cisgender counterparts.
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