Longitudinal Outcomes of Gender Identity in Children (LOGIC)

Aims
This Longitudinal Outcomes of Gender Identity in Children (LOGIC) study aims to investigate the outcomes of children and young people referred to the UK Gender Identity Development Service and the factors associated with these outcomes. Specifically, the study aims to establish: (1) the proportion of children and young people who experience ongoing gender dysphoria and access medical treatment; (2) factors that are associated with ongoing gender dysphoria and treatment choice; and (3) how (A) medical treatment, (B) social transition and (C) co-occurring autism impact physical health, well-being, quality of life, peer and family relationships and cost to the National Health Service (NHS) and other public services.

The study has recruited children, young people and parents/caregivers prior to being seen by the service and is committed to following them over time, regardless of whether families choose to remain in contact with clinical services or not.

The qualitative sub-study of LOGIC, LOGIC-Q, aims to explore the experiences and well-being of a diverse sample of children and young people referred to the UK GIDS, and their parent/caregiver over a 2-year period. Specifically, the study aims to explore and examine (1) children and young people's experiences of gender identity, how this changes over time and links to health and well-being; (2) parental experiences of having a gender-questioning child, how this changes over time and support needed to promote their child's health and well-being; (3) children, young people and parental perspectives on outcomes that are important for evaluating health services and treatments for gender-diverse children; (4) children, young people and parental experiences of health services, therapies and support and how these can be enhanced.

Institution
University College London (UCL), Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, University of Liverpool, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge.

Geographic coverage - Nations
UK and Republic of Ireland

Geographic coverage - Regions
Nationwide

Start date
2019

Catalogue record last updated
19/04/2024

Sample type
Cohort study

Sample details
Participants were children and young people (CYP) aged 3–14 years at the time that their referral to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) was accepted, and their parent or caregiver. Referrals to the service can be made by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or from other health, social care, or educational professionals, including GPs. The service does not accept self-referrals from CYP or their families. In order for the referral to be accepted, the referral must indicate that the CYP is experiencing concerns or distress around their gender identity.

Inclusion criteria for CYP were: had a referral to the GIDS accepted; awaiting first appointment with the service when baseline measures were completed; speak English; live in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Exclusion criteria for CYP were: aged >14 years at the time their referral to the GIDS was accepted; already attended an appointment at the GIDS before baseline measures were completed; do not provide assent to take part; and do not have parent/caregiver consent. Parents/caregivers of eligible CYP will be asked to provide informed consent in order to participate and must also be proficient in English and live within the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

The LOGIC-Q sub-sample was comprised of 39 families who took part in the quantitative LOGIC study. The group was purposively sampled to be diverse in relation to assigned sex at birth, current age, social transition status (socially transitioned, partially socially transitioned and no social transition), ethnicity, diagnosis of Autism, socio-economic status and geographical location.

Sample size at recruitment
628

Sample size at most recent sweep
499

Sex
All

Age at recruitment
3-17 years

Cohort year of birth
Varied