Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Zine Promoting Healthier Chest-Binding Practices in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Populations

Bibliographic Data

ID17720996
AuthorsIsabella E Rios (0009-0005-3391-3695, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), M P Hopkins (0009-0005-8507-9487, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Kieran P Todd (0000-0002-6445-8016, American Medical Association, Chicago, IL, USA), Leland Merrill (0000-0003-2925-6221, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), Maia Kobabe (independent scholar), Sarah M Peitzmeier (0000-0003-4552-1099, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages10901981261425271-10901981261425271
Publication date2026-03-16
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Education & Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1090-1981 • E-ISSN: 1552-6127
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10901981261425271
PMID41840939
OpenAlexW7138478982
LanguageEN
References cited16

(provided in an online format), then took a posttest survey, re-measuring knowledge and measuring the zine's acceptability. Finally, participants joined focus groups to discuss how the zine affected their attitudes and behaviors around binding. Quantitative findings suggest the zine significantly increased participant knowledge about healthy chest binding practices and exercises to reduce side effects caused by binding, as well as increasing scores on healthy binding self-efficacy measures. Thematic analysis of the focus groups identified key themes in participants' reactions to the zine, including its characters, perceived utility, and intentions to change behavior after reading the zine. This study demonstrates how zines may be effective in shifting knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in participants, particularly as a culturally congruent method of health communication for the transgender community

Best practice · Focus group · Health care · Health promotion · Thematic analysis · Transgender · Behavioral Health and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Smoking Behavior and Cessation

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