Title: The Effects of Gender-Affirming Care Access on the Mental Health of Transgender Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gray Sydes, Dr. Brian Lazar
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 300-308
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
This systematic literature review examined how access to gender-affirming care compared with lack of access and/or no access affects the mental health outcomes of transgender adult patients. Healthcare systems face ongoing challenges related to healthcare access for the LGBTQIA+ community, which may influence patient outcomes and satisfaction. Existing evidence remains variable, requiring systematic synthesis of available research. This review aimed to examine how increased access to gender-affirming care compared to lack of access influences mental health outcomes among transgender adults. This systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 were identified through PubMed and CINAHL databases. Studies were screened using a structured process involving title and abstract review followed by full-text eligibility assessment. Included studies examined gender-affirming care access, legislative restrictions on gender based healthcare, the effects of gender-affirming care on mental health outcomes and healthcare systematic failures with the transgender patient population. Following the screening and eligibility assessment, 26 studies were included in the final synthesis. Included studies consisted of qualitative studies, cohort studies, mixed-method, cross-sessional and narrative review studies conducted across outpatient and community care settings. Across included studies, findings demonstrated consistent patterns related to decreased mental health scores related to decreased access to gender-related healthcare services.