Validating Case Definitions for Transgender Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Rytz Chantal L., King James A., Saad Nathalie, Ronksley Paul E., Somayaji Ranjani, Raj Satish R., Dumanski Sandra M., Newbert Amelia M., Peace Lindsay D., Ahmed Sofia B.
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
How effective are case definitions in identifying transgender adults within administrative health data compared with self-reported gender identity?
Conclusion
Validated case definitions can effectively identify transgender adults in administrative health data, aiding in the evaluation of their healthcare needs.
Supporting Evidence
- Case definitions using transgender-related diagnostic codes and hormone prescriptions showed high sensitivity.
- The study included over 5 million individuals, making it one of the largest analyses of its kind.
- Findings suggest that administrative health data can be a valuable resource for studying transgender health.
Takeaway
This study created definitions to identify transgender people using health records, which can help understand their health needs better.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data from Alberta, Canada, to develop and validate case definitions for transgender adults.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification bias may occur due to the binary nature of sex and gender data collection.
Limitations
The best-performing case definitions may miss transgender individuals who do not seek healthcare for gender dysphoria or hormone therapy.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 18 and older with a provincial health care number in Alberta, Canada.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 79.9%-91.7%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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