Considerations for the Care of Transgender Individuals.

Transgender individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing health inequalities, such as anxiety, depression, and HIV. It is important that providers and staff in the health care setting are prepared to care for this population to ensure best patient outcomes. An understanding of transgender terminology and the experience of gender dysphoria is key. In addition, a transinclusive environment should be created to reduce the likelihood of transgender-related discrimination. Developing an understanding of potential gender-affirming treatments and surgeries also optimizes patient care. Improving the quality care will reduce health disparities commonly faced by the transgender population.

Bridging the Gap of Mental Health Inequalities in the Transgender Population: The Role of Nursing Education.

The transgender population experience mental health disparities as a result of numerous environmental, sociocultural and personal factors. Health care-related discrimination plays an unfortunate role in these disparities. The institutional and informational erasure of transgender individuals in health care actively contributes to this discrimination. The lack of preparation of health care professionals to care for this population is a significant factor. There is an absence of education on transgender topics in nursing school and a lack of nursing research on this population. An awareness through education of culturally competent transgender terminology is crucial to ensure a transinclusive environment is created. The creation of a transinclusive environment in the mental health care setting will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Street Level Prostitution: A Systematic Literature Review.

The aim of this study was to synthesize research on female street level prostitutes for application in mental health practice and identification of future research needs. The data were from reports conducted in Westernized countries on female street level prostitutes between the years 2000 and 2014. Street level prostitutes are at high risk for HIV/STIs, chronic and acute physical/mental health problems, and violence, but there is a paucity of research on resilience and coping skills. We conclude that street level prostitutes suffer severe health disparities, yet they do not seek health care on a consistent basis. It is important for mental healthcare providers to offer women a safe, non-judgmental environment while providing assessment and referral. Future research on mental health consequences as well as resilience and coping skills would support effective interventions that address the women holistically.