Search

Although depression is understudied in transgender and transsexual communities, high prevalences have been reported. This paper presents original research from the Trans PULSE Project, an Ontario-wide, community-based initiative that surveyed 433 participants using respondent-driven sampling. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the prevalence of, and risk and protective factors for, depression among female-to-male (FTM) Ontarians (n= 207). We estimate that 66.4% of FTMs have symptomatology consistent with depression. In multivariable analyses, sexual satisfaction was a strong protective factor. Conversely, experiencing transphobia and being at the stage of planning but not having begun a medical transition (hormones and/or surgery) adversely affected mental health in FTMs.

High prevalences of depression have been reported in male-to-female (MTF) transgender communities. We explored factors associated with depressive symptomatology among MTF spectrum trans people in Ontario, using data from the Trans PULSE Project Phase II respondent-driven sampling survey (n= 433 participants, including 191 MTFs with data needed for this analysis). We estimated the prevalence of depression at 61.2%. Factors associated with higher odds of depressive symptomatology included living outside of Toronto, having some college or university (vs. completed), being unemployed, and experiencing higher levels of transphobia. Increasing social support was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptomatology. Multivariable analyses suggested complex relationships between these factors, passing, and childhood abuse, which require additional study.