Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em pessoas trans no estado do Amazonas: pesquisa científica

Abstract

This study investigated the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of transgender people in the state of Amazonas, focusing specifically on periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition with high prevalence and significant impact on physical, social, and psychological dimensions. Based on an observational design, data were collected through questionnaires using the reduced version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), a validated instrument that evaluates seven dimensions of functional, physical, and psychosocial impact. The analysis revealed that clinical factors, such as self-reported periodontal disease, were strongly associated with lower quality of life scores, especially when combined with psychosocial elements such as stress, discrimination, and social exclusion. In the Amazonian context, characterized by geographical barriers, concentration of dental services in urban centers, and difficulties in accessing care in riverside and rural communities, these inequalities are even more pronounced, limiting preventive and therapeutic care. Transgender people face not only structural challenges but also symbolic barriers in health services, including prejudice and denial of care, which directly affect treatment adherence and continuity. The results confirm that OHRQoL in this group cannot be interpreted solely from clinical parameters but must be analyzed from a broader perspective, integrating social, cultural, and identity determinants. It is concluded that investigating OHRQoL among transgender people in Amazonas fills an important scientific and social gap, providing evidence to guide inclusive public policies, the training of healthcare professionals, and the consolidation of humanized clinical practices. Moreover, focusing on periodontal disease proved to be adequate, as it allowed for a deeper understanding of both the clinical effects and the psychosocial and structural impacts that shape oral health experiences.