Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students at a Large Public Midwestern University

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to generate knowledge of the nutrition-related health disparities and barriers to adequate nutrition and health that transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) university students experience. Methods: A needs assessment was conducted with 26 transgender/GNC students enrolled at a large public Midwestern university from November 2017 through February 2018. Interviews and surveys were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data regarding nutrition-related health disparities and barriers, and to identify potential interventions to reduce the disparities or barriers. Results: Major themes emerged around food insecurity, body image, nutrition knowledge and skills, dietary intake, and barriers to healthy eating and positive body image. Other themes included inclusiveness of existing resources and resource needs and preferences. Conclusion: Participants identified interventions that could be introduced on campus to improve their health and nutrition status. Comparisons between study participants and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) populations in the Midwest and with the general student population at the same university show poorer results for dietary intake, body image behaviors, and food security among transgender/GNC study participants. Overall, this study provides a deeper understanding of nutrition-related needs among transgender/GNC university students.