Cohort profile: transformative research on equity and social determinants to uplift resilience and empower LGBTQ+ health in China (TREASURE)
AI Summary
First large-scale cohort in China investigating health and social determinants among LGBTQ+ individuals, enabling longitudinal population-specific evidence.
Community co-designed, multi-channel recruitment in Chengdu enrolled 10,093 participants across diverse SOGI groups between August 2023 and November 2025.
Baseline data reveal high levels of trauma, SOGI-related discrimination and violence, depressive and PTSD symptoms, and elevated suicide risk among participants.
Eur J Epidemiol. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s10654-026-01421-2. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The Transformative Research on Equity And Social determinants to Uplift Resilience and Empower LGBTQ+ Health in China (TREASURE) is the first large-scale cohort study designed to investigate health conditions and social determinants of health among the LGBTQ+ population in China. The TREASURE cohort study was developed in close collaboration with community-based organizations, ensuring culturally appropriate study procedures and improved inclusion of hard-to-reach populations. Participants were recruited through co-created, multi-channel strategies, including on-site recruitment, community outreach, WeChat advertising, and social network referrals. Eligible participants were individuals aged 16 years and older, who self-identified as LGBTQ+ and resided in Chengdu or had primary LGBTQ+ social activities in the area. From August 2023 to November 2025, 10,093 participants enrolled in the baseline investigation from Chengdu City and surrounding areas including cisgender gay men (47.9%), cisgender lesbians (19.0%), cisgender bisexual individuals (5.8%), transgender participants (13.3%), and queer or questioning individuals (14.1%). The first round of cohort follow-up was conducted 12 months after the baseline and every two years thereafter. The baseline survey collected comprehensive data on sociodemographic information, sexual orientation and gender identity related experiences, psychosocial factors, health outcomes, and other topics of interest. Follow-ups are designed to obtain repeated measurements of sociopsychological determinants and health outcomes, as well as additional information on health service needs. The TREASURE cohort documents a substantial burden of psychosocial adversity among LGBTQ+ individuals in China, including high levels of trauma exposure, SOGI-related discrimination and violence, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, suicide risk, and other adverse health outcomes.
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