DIFFICULTY OF GETTING HEALTH CARE OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVING

Aim: This study has been carried out by using phenome-nological method of qualitative research tecniques to determine problems of transgender people while recei-ving health care services. Method: Subjects of the study were , 10 transgender individuals (6 trans female and 4 trans male) assigned by chain referral sampling tech-nique of purposive exemplification method. The data were collected by means of a personal information form containing personal characteristics of the participants, and an interview form consisting of four semi-structured openended questions. Indepth interview technique was carried out to collect data. Inductive analysis tecnique used to analysing the data obtained. Data were analyzed and discussed by dividing into 2 main categories, as 'having difficulty in getting health service' and 'not having problems in getting health service'. Results: Trans-sexual individuals stated that they faced negative expe-riences from health care personnel such as unethical behaviors, inadequacy of knowledge levels and discriminatory attitudes which caused uneasiness at their next applicaiton to acquire medical service; that they are well aware of their health care rights and that constantly receiving services from the same health care organization / health care workers reduces the risk of facing negative experiences; with the change of their birth certificate documents (ID), participants did not have any difficulties in accordance with their identity as they are not being spotted so easily. Conclusion: In future research, health workers' attitudes towards transgender individuals should be carefully determined and due attention should be given to their health care services