EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON TRANS AFFIRMATIVE MEDICAL CARE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS- A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background Transgender individuals face unique healthcare challenges, often exacerbated by inadequate training and knowledge among healthcare providers. Despite legal advancements, significant gaps remain in healthcare access and quality for transgender people. Trans-affirmative care, which promotes inclusive, respectful healthcare practices, is essential for improving health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a targeted health education intervention in improving medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and competencies regarding trans-affirmative medical care.

Methodology A quasi-experimental study was conducted from January to April 2024 at a tertiary care hospital in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, involving third-year MBBS students. Of 136 eligible students, 68 were selected via simple random sampling, with a final sample size of 63 participants after exclusions. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire assessing knowledge on transgender health was administered before and after an eight-week health education intervention on trans-affirmative care. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with paired t-tests comparing pre- and post-intervention knowledge and attitude scores.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in participants' knowledge across all categories. Understanding of transgender terminology increased from 1.43 ± 0.499 to 1.63 ± 0.485 (p < 0.01).Knowledge of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) improved from 1.08 ± 0.272 to 1.32 ± 0.469 (p < 0.01).Awareness of HRT risks increased from 1.05 ± 0.363 to 1.35 ± 0.481 (p < 0.01).Knowledge on creating trans-affirmative medical environments rose from 1.13±0.336to1.32±0.469(p<0.01).

Conclusion
The results show strong evidence that the health education intervention effectively improved trans affirmative medical education outcomes acrossmultiple measures. These findings support the hypothesis that the intervention positively impacted the students' knowledge and attitudes related to trans affirmative medical care.