Examining psychosocial factors and health care transition readiness in gender-affirming care

Healthcare transition (HCT) is critical for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with special healthcare needs, including those receiving gender-affirming care. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are vastly overlooked in HCT research and likely face unique HCT challenges due to stigma, limited access to care, and shifting legal landscapes. This study examined associations between demographic, psychosocial factors, and HCT readiness among TGD AYAs engaged in gender-affirming care. A cross-sectional survey (N=67) at a pediatric gender clinic assessed demographics, depression, anxiety, emotional support, and HCT readiness using validated tools. Age significantly predicted readiness across four of five domains. Transgender females reported lower readiness in tracking health issues. Anxiety, depression, and emotional support were not significant predictors. Findings underscore the importance of standardized, age- and genderappropriate HCT processes in gender-affirming care. Nurses are uniquely positioned to lead structured, individualized HCT procedures to ensure continuity of gender-affirming care.