Investigating Health Outcomes and Health Service Use Among Transgender Individuals in Ontario

Led by Dr. Alex Abramovich, Independent Scientist with IMHPR, the purpose of this study is to investigate health outcomes and health service use among transgender individuals in Ontario by linking administrative health data. Dr. Abramovich and his team found that transgender individuals in Ontario are more likely to live in lower income neighborhoods, experience chronic health conditions, and have higher health service use compared to the general population. The higher rates of health service use for mental health and self-harm related reasons may reflect the health service manifestation of stigma and discrimination. Stigma, discrimination, and structural violence create multiple barriers resulting in poor health among transgender individuals. This is the first Canadian study to identify a large cohort of transgender individuals through a primary data linkage using ICES data.

Areas of Research

Dr. Alex Abramovich has been addressing the issue of 2-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (2SLGBTQ+) youth homelessness for almost 15 years. He is an internationally recognized leader in the area of 2SLGBTQ+ health and homelessness. The overarching aim of his program of research is to investigate the health and social inequities experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on understanding and improving the health and service needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

Dr. Abramovich’s research has led to groundbreaking practice and policy reform, including the launch of Canada’s first dedicated transitional housing program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. He has worked closely with all levels of government to develop policies and strategies that address the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and is committed to research that successfully and ethically engages marginalized populations.

Learn more about Dr. Abramovich's research into 2SLGBTQ+ youth homelessness in this video