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.

Reference: Rotondi Khobzi N, Bauer GR, Travers R, Travers A, Scanlon K, Kaay M. Depression in male-to-female transgender Ontarians: Results from the Trans PULSE Project. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health 2011;30(2):113-133.

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