(329) HOW MANY TRANSGENDER PEOPLE ARE THERE IN ITALY? A POPULATION-BASED STUDY (THE SPOT STUDY)

Abstract Objectives The proportion of transgender population is growing. In Italy, the only available study dates back to 2011 and focuses on adult transgender population who underwent gender-affirming surgical treatment, thus underestimating transgender population size. Studies on the general population represent an urgent health issue. Methods A population-based study using a self-administered on-line questionnaire filled out anonymously was carried out. The survey included assessments of socio-demographic characteristics. Gender incongruence (GI) was evaluated by using the 2-item approach assessing gender assigned at birth and gender identity (male, female, both, neither, other). For people who identified as transgender the survey also included questions about the age of first awareness of one’s gender identity and the wish and/or history of gender affirming path. Results A total of 20.490 questionnaires were obtained online. Medium age of responders was 35.1±11.5 years old. The 9.9% of assigned male at birth (AMAB) and the 7.8% of assigned female at birth (AFAB) reported a transgender identity: among AMAB people, the 43.3% reported a full female gender identification, the 31% identified as both man and woman, 9.2% neither, and 16.4% other. Among AFAB people, the 39.3% reported a full male gender identification, the 26.4% identified as both man and woman, 19.4% neither, and 14.9% other. AMAB and AFAB trans people reported early awareness of GI. Among AMAB trans people, 46.2% does not wish legal name change, 35.6% hormonal treatment, and 41.7% surgical procedures. Among AFAB trans people, 40% does not wish legal name change, 39.1% hormonal treatment, and 34.5% surgical procedures. Conclusions Our results show higher percentages of transgender people in the general population compared to previously published studies. The number of non-binary trans population was consistent with previous data. Overall, these results could be considered as a first step towards a more effective Italian health planning in order to properly address transgender health care needs. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest.