The Prevalence and Demographic Characteristics of Gender Dysphoria in Mazandaran, Iran During 2016 - 2022

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of individuals with gender dysphoria (GD). However, there is limited research on the epidemiology of GD in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and demographic characteristics of GD among individuals referred to the Forensic Medicine Organization (FMO) in Mazandaran, Iran, from 2016 to 2021. Methods: This descriptive study involved reviewing medical records of individuals with confirmed GD who were referred to the FMO of Mazandaran province for permission to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of GD was 123 per 100,000 people. From 2016 to 2022, 71 individuals with GD were referred to the FMO in Mazandaran province. Of these, 27 (38%) were male-to-female (MTF) and 44 (62%) were female-to-male (FTM), showing a significant difference (χ2 = 4.07, P = 0.05). The average age was 26.9 ± 5.91 years. One individual (1.4%) was married, 65 (91.5%) were single, and five (7%) were divorced. Twenty-one (28.2%) were undergoing hormone therapy before referral to forensic medicine. Fifty-five participants (77.5%) wore clothing of the opposite sex in public places. Conclusions: From 2016 to 2022, the age of individuals with GD referring to forensic medicine decreased, possibly due to increased awareness and reduced stigma associated with GD.