Transgender and non-binary adults face an increased burden of physical and mental ill health, according to a new analysis of patient comments on general practice.

Findings come from the annual GP Patient Survey, carried out by NHS England and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The 2021 survey was examined by Dr Katie Saunders from the University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues.

They analysed 850,000 survey responses, including over 6,300 responses where individuals identified as either transgender or non-binary. Findings were published in BMJ Open. In terms of demographics, transgender and non-binary patients were more likely to be from Asian, Black, Mixed or Other ethnic groups, less likely to be heterosexual, and were more likely to live in more deprived areas. This group was also younger on average.

They had increased rates of long term health conditions including mental health problems, dementia and learning disabilities, and are more likely to be autistic. Transgender and non-binary adults reported preferring to see the same GP for each visit for continuity and having more negative experiences of interpersonal communication over their care. The researchers state that information about the demographics, health and health care needs of people who are trans and non-binary is still emerging, and “what evidence there is suggests disparities are high”.

Dr Saunders said: “These findings are consistent with other studies looking at long-term conditions among trans and non-binary adults. The reasons for these differences compared to the general population are likely to be complex, including a mixture of stress, experiences of discrimination, socioeconomic status and the biological effects of hormone treatments.”