Factors associated with poor quality of life of transgender people

Abstract

Background

The term transgender (TRANS) may be used for people whose gender identity differs from the one assigned at birth. A large part of this population segment faces social (lack of social support, discrimination, rejection, transphobia) and psychological (anxiety, depression) challenges. These factors, in turn, may negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of these individuals. In this context, the aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with QoL of TRANS people.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with non-probability sample, conducted with TRANS and cisgender (CIS) adults living in a southeastern Brazilian state. The research questionnaire was accessed electronically and comprised sociodemographic, health, and QoL information. QoL was assessed through the Short-Form 6 dimensions (SF-6D) instrument. Multivariable linear regression analysis (forward method) was applied to determine the influence of independent variables on QoL (outcome variable). All variables that presented p < 0.10 in the bivariate analyses were included. The analyses were carried out in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) ^® software, version 22.0, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The sample included 65 TRANS individuals and 78 CIS individuals. The CIS group showed a predominance of people with higher education (p = 0.002) and higher income (p = 0.000) when compared with the TRANS sample. TRANS participants had worse QoL score (p = 0.014) and the same was observed when QoL was assessed by all dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the place of residence and the report of recent prejudice remained associated with QoL even after adjusting for age, gender identity, occupation, and follow-up by a health professional (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The TRANS population showed worse QoL when compared with the CIS population. Moreover, living in the state’s capital and having suffered episodes of prejudice were the factors remain statistically associated with the QoL among TRANS individuals.