Assessing the Health Conditions of Intersex Community of Islamabad : A Community Survey

Abstract

This study investigates the health conditions and behaviors of intersex individuals in Islamabad, Pakistan, focusing on their unique healthcare needs and challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach including community surveys, personal interviews, and collaborations with local organizations, the study addresses issues such as health access, mental health, and socio-economic status among this marginalized group. With over a million intersex people in Pakistan, the study highlights the significant impact of cultural stigma, limited mental health resources, and poor health practices on their overall well-being. The research utilized a sample size of 91 individuals, of whom 72 identified as intersex. The remaining participants included individuals who identified as women (10), men (6), and those who transitioned to women (3). The educational background of the participants was varied: 46 had never attended school, 17 had some primary education, 6 completed college, 15 had bachelor’s degrees, and 4 held master's degrees. Financially, 51.6% of the respondents did not receive family support, while 25.3% had partial support, and only 23.1% received full financial support. Earnings were diverse, with 27.5% earning less than 25,000 PKR per month and 26.4% earning over 75,000 PKR. Health conditions varied, with 35.2% reporting no disease, while others had blood pressure issues (19.8%), diabetes (8%), asthma (6%), and various chronic illnesses. Substance addiction was prevalent, with 57.1% addicted to tobacco, 20.9% to other drugs, and 7.7% to un-prescribed medications. Hospital visits were infrequent, with 42.9% visiting annually and only 17.6% monthly. Mental health assessments using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) revealed significant anxiety and depression symptoms among participants. For instance, 45.1% experienced sudden fear for no reason a little, and 42.9% reported frequent headaches. Depression symptoms were also prevalent, with 42.9% feeling low in energy a little and 36.3% feeling hopeless about the future. Health protective behaviors were assessed, revealing gaps in both general health awareness and specific health practices. Only 40.7% knew their blood pressure, and 27.5% were aware of their 6 blood sugar levels. Regular health check-ups were conducted by just 25.3% of the participants. Dietary practices were poor, with 25.3% never consuming fresh vegetables and 17.6% never eating fruits daily. Physical activity was also lacking, with 27.5% never engaging in moderate-intensity activities daily. The discussion section highlights the significant burden of health challenges among intersex individuals, similar to findings in international contexts. Over 53% of participants rated their mental health as fair or poor, and 43% rated their physical health similarly. Common health conditions included depression, anxiety, arthritis, and hypertension. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address mental health issues and improve health-protective behaviors among intersex individuals. The study’s limitations include stigma and social unacceptance, which hindered participation and may have led to underreporting. Communication barriers and the specific sociocultural context of Islamabad limit the generalizability of the findings. The broad scope of the topic and limited resources also impacted the research depth. Future recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions targeting intersex individuals across multiple geographical regions. Government initiatives are crucial to improve access to healthcare and advocate for the rights of intersex people. Understanding their health challenges can lead to targeted interventions and policies to enhance their overall health and wellbeing.