Longitudinal study reveals social predictors of suicidal ideation in transgender adults undergoing gender-affirming medical care, highlighting the protective role of community support.
Key Points
To identify risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation, emphasizing social and transgender-specific variables, across 4–6 years of gender-affirming medical care.
Analyzed longitudinal questionnaire data from N = 477 transgender and gender-diverse individuals evaluated at intake and 4–6 years later across three European gender clinics.
Categorized participants into four suicidal ideation trajectories (persisting, absent, decreasing, or developing) based on the Symptom Checklist-90-R.
Performed chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age group (<25 versus ≥25 years) to evaluate predictors of follow-up suicidal ideation.
Across group comparisons, 16 of 22 risk and protective factors differed significantly, with participants experiencing persistent suicidal ideation exhibiting the most adverse profiles.
Follow-up suicidal ideation was significantly associated with baseline loneliness, parental mental disorder, follow-up psychiatric hospitalization, healthcare barriers, and body dissatisfaction (Nagelkerke R² = 0.412).
Baseline contact with transgender peers and follow-up social support were significantly associated with lower odds of suicidal ideation, whereas age group had no significant effect.