Navigating Rural Medical Systems: the Experiences of Parents of Trans Children

Access to affirming healthcare improves health outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children (Tordoff et al. in JAMA Network Open, 2022). Yet, there is often a dearth of competent providers in rural areas. This study investigated the healthcare access experiences and needs of parents of transgender children in a rural setting. For this study, healthcare was broadly defined to include not only gender affirming care, but also other physical and mental healthcare experiences. A qualitative methodological approach, using a semi-structured interview protocol, was used as this approach enabled a richer description of the experiences of the parents of transgender children. Six parents participated in group or one-to-one interviews upon receiving written consent. Thematic analysis identified four major themes, each with two or three subthemes: specific needs of children, lack of local care, provider attitudes, and existing supports. Results displayed the overwhelming gap in current healthcare for TGD children in a rural setting. Continued education and efforts within the healthcare community to assist TGD children are desperately needed. Further research, with the expansion of a broader range of participants and increased inclusion of children of color, is needed.