Swan, Jaime (2020) Access to Public Surgical Services for Transgender Individuals: A Systematic Literature Review Regarding Mental Health and Well-being. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Aim: This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to examine the reported mental health (MH) and quality of life (QOL) benefits of accessing gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) among transgender individuals. This review also explores the possibility of enabling publicly funded GAS through Queensland Health. Background: Transgender individuals experience proportionately higher rates of MH concerns and lower QOL than the general population. In Australia, transgender individuals experience significant financial barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare. These financial barriers negatively affect MH and QOL. Methods: This SLR followed the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on five databases on 18 August 2020. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to assess the studies. Included articles were written in English, with full text available online and published from 2000 onwards and examined transgender individuals and the MH or QOL outcomes of those who have had GAS or included information about publicly-funding GAS. Results: 46 studies reviewed identify that GAS impacts transgender individuals’ MH, QOL and body image. Seven studies reviewed identify funding policy, procedures and best practices for providing GAS around the world. Conclusion: The findings from this review suggest that GAS is effective in reducing MH concerns and increasing QOL in transgender individuals. This review examines the policies and procedures used to publicly-fund GAS in other countries, and provides recommendations based on these findings for Queensland Health to make GAS more financially accessible. Further research is needed with high-quality research methods and modern surgical techniques. A cost-benefit analysis would also be valuable in examining the financial implications of providing publicly funded GAS.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Amy Mullens; Annette Bromdal |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Sep 2025 04:22 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Sep 2025 04:22 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | transgender; gender-affirming surgery; mental health; quality of life; funding; Medicare; |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52797 |
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