Facilitators and Barriers to Research Participation Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A Youth-Engaged Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth populations face unique challenges in health care, yet are underrepresented in research. Using youth-engaged research methods, we collaborated with a youth advisory board to explore promoters and barriers of TGD youth research recruitment and participation.

METHODS

A total of 21 TGD youth aged 12-22 years were recruited nationally to participate in semistructured interviews that were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Key themes and subthemes were identified using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: 1) recruitment materials and resources can deter or encourage research participation; 2) There are special considerations for research recruitment of TGD youth due to stigma against TGD people; 3) personal relationships may negatively or positively affect recruitment within TGD research; and 4) research staff can promote a positive and affirming research environment for TGD youth participants.

DISCUSSION: The factors participants highlighted, outlined in the observed themes, can be considered by research teams to enhance recruitment and retention strategies and study protocols for TGD youth populations. These efforts could both improve the experience for TGD youth participating in research and yield more generalizable data, as they would likely encourage greater levels of engagement.