Unequal geographies of gender-affirming care: A comparative typology of trans-specific healthcare systems across Europe.
Soc Sci Med
; 356: 117145, 2024 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39067377
ABSTRACT
RATIONALE Gender-affirming healthcare can carry significant benefits for trans people. However, there are substantial geographical inequalities in the provision of and access to trans-specific healthcare across Europe. Comparative healthcare systems research has typically focused on universal services, neglecting provision which serves specific groups within populations (e.g., trans people). OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to develop a comparative typology of trans-specific healthcare systems across 28 European countries (the EU 27 plus the UK), and to examine country-level correlates which may influence or be influenced by these systems.METHODS:
Using hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis, countries were classified into four types based on measures of trans-specific healthcare provision, regulation and access. Possible country-level correlates (including socio-political climate, medical outcomes, and the general healthcare system) were investigated. RESULTS ANDDISCUSSION:
The cluster analysis identified four clusters of trans-specific healthcare systems in Europe, characterized as 1) Centralized conservative (highly centralized, extensive range of treatments, few trans-specific government policies); 2) Centralized reformist (highly centralized, extensive range of treatments, multiple trans-specific government policies); 3) Decentralized marketized (highly decentralized, moderate range of treatments, few trans-specific government policies); 4) Underdeveloped (highly decentralized, limited range of treatments, few or no trans-specific government policies). We found statistically significant differences between the clusters in rates of public support for trans people; gender identity concealment; treatment access; overall health expenditure; gender inequality.CONCLUSIONS:
The study develops a novel typology of trans-specific healthcare systems in Europe. It also identifies a range of potential drivers and outcomes of geographical divergences and inequalities in trans-specific healthcare provision. Building on this typology, future comparative research should aim to link the structure of healthcare systems to outcomes for trans people. Comparative healthcare systems research must account for the distinctive forms taken by services and systems that provide healthcare to specific groups within populations.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Healthcare Disparities
/
Gender-Affirming Care
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Soc Sci Med
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom