Discrimination in healthcare access among transgender women in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

Access to medical services is not equally experienced by all transgender individuals. Healthcare services for transgender people still require greater attention and inclusivity within society today. This study aims to examine self-reported experiences faced by transgender women from healthcare providers when accessing medical services and to identify the structural and interpersonal factors that contribute to inequitable healthcare delivery. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study involving 210 transgender women to investigate the lived experiences of healthcare access-related discrimination among transgender women in Palembang City and Banyuasin Regency, Indonesia. The findings showed that 21% of the participants reported experiencing discrimination when accessing healthcare services. The results demonstrated that education level, income group, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and experience of violence were significantly associated with transgender women's experiences of discrimination in accessing healthcare services. In multivariable analysis, history of STIs was identified as the strongest association of discrimination (AOR = 2.812; 95% CI: 1.267-6.241). These results underscore the urgent need for inclusive healthcare practices, community-based interventions, and family education programmes to promote equal access and reduce stigma against transgender populations.