Research Goal 2:

The Duke Study on Gender Health & Wellness During Covid-19 has two goals:

1. A multiple choice based survey (please click here)
2. Semi-structured interviews with trained members of our team (see below)

Transgender and gender non-binary persons can’t be split into a binary of pre-op/post-op, nor into masculine/feminine. For medical and surgical therapy, patient goals vary along multiple intersecting lines: gender identity, gender expression, and legal sex (as per state or hospital records).

Not every transgender or gender non-binary person wants surgery, nor do all transgender patients follow the same care pathway. In one national survey, 61% of all transgender folks stated they were interested in pursuing gender affirming hormone therapy, and 33% were interested in a surgery. For pelvic surgery, 86% of self-identified transfeminine persons were interested in vaginoplasty, while only 28% of self-identified transmasculine persons were interested in phalloplasty. 

Semi-structured interviews are a method to create unique data with a specific population. Interviews move organically, with the interviewer guiding the conversation along certain issues of interest. Data analysis consists of finding common themes in the interviews: in our case, understanding barriers transgender and gender non-binary patients may be facing during the pandemic.

The semi-structured interview will last approximately 45 minutes per participant. Unfortunately at this time, we are not able to provide financial compensation to interviewees. Below are sample questions.

Example Interview Questions

BEFORE the Covid-19 pandemic / nationwide stay-at-home orders….did you have difficulties with health insurance coverage, such as being unable to pay for medical care?

             Including hormones, surgeries, psychotherapy, etc.

AFTER the Covid-19 pandemic / nationwide stay-at-home orders ….has your health insurance become EASIER or HARDER to work with?

             Can you tell me more about that?

AFTER the Covid-19 pandemic / nationwide stay-at-home orders ….do you know of a local clinic or hospital you could go to if you felt acutely sick?

             Have you been to that clinic/hospital in the past?

             Do you feel welcome at that facility? Why or why not?

AFTER the Covid-19 pandemic / nationwide stay-at-home orders ….has your healthcare team offered MORE telemedicine options?

AFTER the Covid-19 pandemic / nationwide stay-at-home orders ….are you concerned that your health insurance will change, and you will lose access to gender healthcare coverage?

             Can you tell me more about that?

Click here to Access the Survey