Social and healthcare assistance needs in Italian transgender and gender diverse young adults: A qualitative study

Gender incongruence increasingly leads individuals to seek gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgeries. In Italy, however, general healthcare services often lack the specialization needed to address the specific needs. With a person-centered approach and a qualitative methodology, this study explores individual perspectives on promoting transgender and gender diverse people's well-being and highlights the relationship between gender incongruence, psychosocial health, and healthcare access. Seventeen participants aged 19-31 years old who experienced gender incongruence or gender dysphoria and sought medical or psychological support for hormone therapy attended a semi-structured interview processed through Thematic Analysis. Findings revealed significant barriers to adequate healthcare and social support, negatively impacting participants' well-being. Mediating factors such as peer awareness, family acceptance, and inclusive education emerged as protective. The study also discusses broader societal consequences of insufficient support and presents useful strategies to develop affirmative and inclusive practices aimed at improving access to care and psychosocial outcomes.