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The following is a summary of “Health Needs and Management of Young People Accessing Paediatric Hauora Tāhine (Transgender Health) Services in Te Tai Tokerau,” published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health by Catlow et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to describe the health needs and management of gender diverse tamariki and rangitahi accessing Pediatric Hauora Tāhine services in the Te Tai Tokerau region of Aotearoa (New Zealand).  

They performed an analysis of referrals and secondary care records for all patients referred to Te Tai Tokerau General Pediatric Department for Hauora Tāhine care from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Medical management, time to first assessment, access to mental health support, and fertility counseling were examined.  

The results showed that 45 young people in the region received Hauora Tāhine care, with a mean age at referral of 13 years (range, 8–15) while, 10 (22%) identified as Māori. Co-existing mental health diagnoses were present in 27 (60%), and 5 (11%) had previous suicide attempts whereas, 14 (31%) had possible or confirmed autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The median time from referral to the first specialist appointment was 90 days (interquartile range, 53–157). All received psychological support and 15 (33%) did not require medical gender-affirming treatment. Pubertal suppression with Lucrin was given to 21 (68%), and 10 (36%) received other menstrual suppressants. Gender-affirming hormone therapy was prescribed to 11 (24%), all of whom had prior psychological assessment and fertility counseling.  

Investigators concluded that gender diverse young people required diverse treatments to support their identity and had a high prevalence of co-existing mental health conditions and autism spectrum disorder. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70078