Characteristics of trans and non-binary children and adolescents who attended a tertiary hospital

• Published in: Archivos argentinos de pediatría Vol. 123; no. 1; p. e202410359
• Main Authors: Mulli, Valeria, Zabalza, María, Eymann, Alfredo, Alonso, Guillermo, Bellomo, María M, Bertini, María C, Kuspiel, María F, Ormaechea, María N, Catsicaris, Cristina, Busaniche, Julio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Argentina 26-09-2024
• Subjects: adolescent; transgender people; Argentina; gender identity
• ISSN: 0325-0075; 1668-3501; 1668-3501
• DOI: 10.5546/aap.2024-10359.eng

Introduction. The trans population in Argentina represents 0.43%. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of trans and non-binary children and adolescents. Population and methods. A cross-sectional study was designed. The population was all trans or nonbinary persons under 24 years of age seen by an interdisciplinary team in a tertiary university hospital from January 2019 to May 2023. The sample was obtained from the database of patients seen by reviewing electronic medical records (EMR). Results. The EMRs of 107 individuals were analyzed; the average age at first consultation was 15.3 years, and the age of self-perceived transgender identity was 11.1 years. Seventy-two percent perceived themselves as having a trans male identity; in 89.7%, their gender expression was by their self-perception, and 46.3% had a bisexual sexual orientation. Seventy-six percent acknowledged having family support; 87.3%, school support; and 92.5%, peer support. 44.8% had a hormonal strategy, 14.1% had surgery, 57.1% had mental health intervention, and 29.1% received psychiatric medication. Only three patients (2.8%) detransitioned their gender identity. Conclusion. Most individuals were trans men and perceived good support from their environments. Almost half received a hormonal strategy; less than a quarter received a surgical intervention; more than half received a mental health intervention. The detransition was infrequent.