GLOW Long-Term Study on Gender-Affirming Care Effects on Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Work Outcomes in Adults with Gender Dysphoria

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying gender-affirming care and its impact on mental health, quality of life, work capacity, and healthcare outcomes for adults diagnosed with gender dysphoria in Sweden. This longitudinal study explores psychological, medical, and social factors affecting treatment results and aims to understand how gender-affirming care influences psychiatric symptoms, self-concept clarity, mortality, and healthcare use compared to similar individuals without gender dysphoria. The study is based at a National Highly Specialized Care unit, ensuring consistent data collection and clinical follow-up. The investigation uses a mixed-methods design combining national registry data, self-reported assessments, and qualitative interviews. Participants receive gender-affirming care according to standardized clinical procedures within the specialized clinic. Data are collected at baseline, after approximately one year, and then at 24 and 60 months to monitor changes in quality of life, mental health symptoms, gender congruence, work capacity, and healthcare utilization. The study also compares outcomes with an age- and gender-matched control group. Participants will complete questionnaires and assessments periodically over five years, including measures of quality of life, anxiety, substance use, identity functioning, and work participation. Researchers will analyze registry data for mortality and healthcare resource use. The study involves long-term follow-up through standardized clinical visits and registry reviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender-affirming care effects over time. Total participation can last up to five years with repeated evaluations and interviews.

GLOW: Gender-Affirming Care and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study On Quality of Life, Work Life, and Healthcare Outcomes