Analysis of the oral health condition and factors related to the quality of life of homeless transsexuals

• Grant number: 24/12032-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Tânia Adas Saliba
• Grantee: Tânia Adas Saliba
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fernando Yamamoto Chiba ; Lia Borges de Mattos Custodio ; Ronald Jefferson Martins ; Suzely Adas Saliba Moimaz

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent discrimination, violence and social stigma contribute to increased substance abuse disorders and mental health problems in the transgender population. In this context, the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and some medications used to treat mental health problems can have harmful effects on oral health. The literature indicates that transgender individuals have a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections and eating disorders, including binge eating, fasting and bulimia, important health complications that may be associated with oral problems. Thus, transgender people may have a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases, in addition to intraoral soft tissue lesions. Objective: To analyze the oral health condition and quality of life of homeless transsexuals. Methodology: This is an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study, with an epidemiological approach that will be carried out with homeless transgender individuals, living in the city of São Paulo-SP, hosted by the Casa 1 Cultural Center and the Specialized Reference Center for Homeless Population (POP Center), in the years of 2024 and 2025. Clinical examinations to assess oral condition will be carried out in the POP Center units, with natural light, in a properly ventilated and illuminated place, using a flat mouth mirror and periodontal probe from the WHO. Oral health status will be assessed using the DMFT Index; Community Periodontal Index; Insertion Loss Index; assessment of the use and need for prosthesis; presence and severity of dental erosion; and presence and location of lesions of the oral mucosa. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, health habits, access to medical and dental health services, oral hygiene practices and self-perception of oral health will be obtained through interviews. Data on individuals' quality of life will be collected through the application of the WHOQOL-bref instrument. Expected results: It is expected that the results obtained can promote a real understanding of the main oral health problems and their relationship with the quality of life in homeless transgender individuals and, from this, help the development of public policies and health promotion, prevention and education strategies for broad dissemination and awareness among health professionals. (AU)