Exploring Work Absences and Return to Work During Social Transition and Following Gender-Affirming Care, a Mixed-Methods Approach: 'Bridging Support Actors Through Literacy'.

The sample size was small (128 survey, 20 interviews), limiting generalizability. Data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected work patterns and access to care. The study relied on self-reported work absences and return-to-work status, which may be subject to recall bias. The health literacy measure was validated for the general population, not specifically for transgender people or occupational contexts. Interview participants were predominantly white, limiting insights into intersectional experiences. The study did not capture short-term absences (hours or days) used for outpatient care, which participants identified as a major burden.

The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not interpret the high return-to-work rate as evidence that workplace support is adequate. While most patients resumed work, the study found significant gaps in occupational health literacy and a lack of helpful interventions from occupational physicians, indicating that return to work often occurred despite systemic barriers rather than because of them.