Pediatric Gender Care in Primary Care Settings in West Virginia: Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, and Educational Experiences.

PURPOSE

Pediatric primary care providers (PPCPs) often care for gender diverse youth (GDY), particularly in rural areas, but little is known about their relevant knowledge, attitudes, or educational experiences regarding caring for this population.

METHODS

This study surveyed PPCPs throughout the rural state of West Virginia using an online survey assessing 1) demographics, 2) knowledge, 3) attitudes, and 4) educational experiences. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated and proportion-tests and t-tests were used to compare these scores by PPCP characteristics including age, time in practice, and training background.

RESULTS

In total, 51 PPCPs from throughout the state completed the survey and 82% had cared for GDY in the prior year. Younger providers (<age 40) and those who had less time in practice (<10 years) had significantly higher knowledge (p = .02, p < .01) and attitude scores (p = .01, p < .01) than older providers and those who had been in practice longer. Most (84%) PPCPs reported having received some form of education related to caring for GDY. Those who reported no education had significantly lower knowledge (p < .01) and attitude scores (p < .01).

DISCUSSION

PPCPs in a rural state reported caring for GDY, but knowledge and attitudes related to this care varied by age, time in practice, and relevant educational experiences. More research is needed to determine best strategies for providing education to PPCPs, particularly those who are older and have been in practice longer, and to better understand the impacts of legislation limiting evidence-based gender-affirming care on PPCP knowledge, attitudes, and access to educational experiences.