Sociodemographic and Health Characterization of Transgender Individuals Enrolled in the Gender Identity Support Program at a Public Hospital in Chile from 2013 to 2023

Abstract

There are a few publications that quantify the sociodemographic profiles of the “trans” population. Aim: To describe the sociodemographic and health profiles of the “trans people” who have entered the Gender Identity Support Program in a Public Hospital in the Province of Osorno, Chile. Methods: A descriptive methodology was used. The population included corresponds to the entire universe of people in the statistical registry of the Gender Identity Support Program of the Base Hospital San José de Osorno between 2013 and the first semester of 2023. A univariate statistical analysis was performed. Results: A wide age dispersion between 17 to 77 years old was observed, with an average of 20.4 and a standard deviation of 30.3. An increasing number of incorporations since 2018 to date. The identification with the male gender stands out at 70.00%, with the female gender at 26,66%, and in the remaining 3,33%, those who identify as non-binary. There is a high employment rate (97,96%), and in 80% of the cases, someone is considered a “significant person/support” in his/her transition. In 31,66% of the cases, there is a history of self-inflicted injuries, 51,66% have a mental health history, and 34,14% of them have a history of cardiovascular pathologies. All the people admitted to the program requested accompaniment by the mental health team. Conclusions: A sociodemographic and health profile was identified in the population participating in the Osorno Hospital’s gender identity support program. Given that only this population was consulted, studies should be conducted in the general population if the aim is to describe more precisely the profile of trans persons in Chile and determine their real demand.