(P26-022-24) “Nutrition is the easiest thing I can do, right?”: Exploring the Nutrition Needs and Priorities of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth Through Key Informant Perspectives

Objectives: Characterize the nutrition-related health priorities of transgender gender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth from the key informant perspective through in-depth interviews. Findings from this work are expected to help inform future research questions and nutritional care practices and policies.

Methods: The qualitative study employed reflexive thematic analysis to analyze interview transcripts, focusing on nutrition education, relationship with nutrition, diet and food, nutrition priorities, medical transitioning status, social support, experience with health professionals, and trusted resources. Rigor was ensured through a community advisory board, pilot tests, member checks, and reflexivity.

Results: Key informant interviews (n=10) resulted in 8 distinct themes: 1) weight, body image, and food security are the primary nutrition-related concerns and priorities of TGD youth, 2) body image and disordered eating as methods of control and coping, 3) internal struggles are commonly related to nutrition-related outcomes or behaviors, 4) improved access to web-based nutrition resources are needed, 5) social support and social undermining are major contributors to health of wellbeing of TGD youth, 6) gender affirmation is connected to dietary behaviors and attitudes, 7) assets of the community include awareness, community, and justice-oriented, 8) multi-level approaches that celebrate gender diversity is essential for health promotion.

Conclusions: The recommendations from key informants aim to improve health equity, inclusion, and wellness for TGD youth. Central to this endeavor is the consideration of their unique nutritional concerns and the fostering of supportive environments. This pioneering research offers a foundation for understanding the lived experiences of TGD youth regarding nutritional health, filling a crucial gap in the literature. The insights gained are expected to inform future research questions, nutritional care practices, and policies tailored to address the distinctive needs of this underrepresented population.

Funding Sources: The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth