Healthcare experiences and barriers as predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among transgender adults: An elastic net regression analysis

Purpose Suicide is a critical public health concern, particularly among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals The current study aims to identify structural and interpersonal barriers as well as protective factors that impact suicide risk among transgender and gender diverse adults. Methods The currently analyses utilize the TransPop dataset, the first national probability sample of 274 adult transgender adults in the United States. Elastic net regression was used to examine the relationships between the set of 17 healthcare predictor variables and STB outcome variables. Results Worries about negative evaluation from healthcare providers emerged as highly important variables across STB outcomes. Inability to access healthcare due to the cost of seeing a doctor was associated with increased suicide plans. Having insurance was associated with decreased odds of suicidal ideation with intent. Conclusions There is a need for increased supportiveness and acceptance from healthcare providers as well as a need to ensure that TGD individuals have access to high-quality mental and physical healthcare.