A comparison of mental health, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors between rural and non-rural transgender persons

J Homosex. 2014;61(8):1117-30. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2014.872502.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the mental health, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors of rural and non-rural transgender persons. Online banner advertisements were used to recruit 1,229 self-identified rural and non-rural transgender adults (18+ years) residing in the United States. Primary findings include significant differences in mental health between rural and non-rural transmen; relatively low levels of binge drinking across groups, although high levels of marijuana use; and high levels of unprotected sex among transwomen. The results confirm that mental and physical health services for transgender persons residing in rural areas are urgently needed.

Keywords: online survey; rural; transgender; urban.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Transgender Persons / psychology
  • Transgender Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*