A Curtin University researcher has received funding from Beyondblue to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among transgender and transsexual (trans) people.<\/p>\n
The funding of $163,268 will enable Dr Zo\u00eb Hyde, the Principal Investigator, to collaborate with Curtin colleagues from the Department of Sexology, the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, and the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research, as well as researchers from The University of Western Australia.
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\n\u201cTrans people are a population that has received limited attention from public health researchers, planners and practitioners,\u201d Dr Hyde said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch of what is known about this population is informed by research conducted overseas and few studies in this area have been conducted in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cA growing body of evidence suggests that trans people experience disparities in several important areas of health compared with the population generally.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn particular, trans people are more likely to experience mental health problems (notably depression and anxiety disorders), use alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, and think about or attempt suicide.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAdditionally, trans people commonly report that their physical and mental health needs are not met, and that they underutilise preventive health care.\u201d
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\nDr Hyde said the aim of the study was to gain an accurate, national snapshot of the mental health of trans people in Australia. Together with interested agencies and service providers, the researchers would advocate for the incorporation of the findings into the planning and development of current and future mental health promotion programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis grant will go a long way to achieving these goals,\u201d Dr Hyde said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are quite excited by the project and the opportunity to highlight the importance of addressing mental health gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n
Contact:<\/p>\n
Dr Zo\u00eb Hyde, Research Associate, Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion, Curtin University
\nTel: 08 9266 7819\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Email: zoe@sexologyresearch.org<\/a>;\u00a0 http:\/\/www.sexologyresearch.org<\/a><\/p>\n