Publications

Impact of COVID-19 on Transgender Women and Hijra: Insights from Gujarat, India.

Faculty Author(s): Redcay A
Student Author(s): -
Department: SOWK
Publication: Springer International Publishing
Year: 2022
Abstract: Protecting vulnerable populations from the COVID-19 pandemic is a strategic imperative, especially when considering the potential vulnerability it has on a wide range of marginalized communities. Transgender women and hijra individuals who struggle to cope financially, mentally, or physically are vulnerable groups that require attention during the COVD-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, 12 transgender women and hijra persons participated in semi-structured telephone interviews during India's lockdown phases (1.0 and 2.0) of the COVID-19 pandemic. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Authors identified five themes: knowledge and practice; psychological domain; health conditions; individual and community experiences; and support. Findings offer broad insights into bolstering health concerns and access to healthcare services from public health and human rights perspective. An access to adequate healthcare services is a fundamental human right. The COVID-19 pandemic response without a human rights framework will have a major impact on the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals. Future studies of this population will illuminate unique considerations for healthcare workers while providing care to this neglected group. Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare no competing interests. (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.)
Link: Impact of COVID-19 on Transgender Women and Hijra: Insights from Gujarat, India.