Oral health-related attitude and practices of transgender population in Puducherry UT, India---A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND

Oral health is apparently compromised among the transgenders and not enough data is available on the same, without which appropriate measures cannot be drafted and implemented.

OBJECTIVE

To determine oral health practices among transgender population of Puducherry UT, India.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A close-ended questionnaire was used to elicit responses on attitude and practices related to oral health. Self-identified transgenders were included in this study following a snowball sampling technique. Data on educational level, brushing habits, deleterious habits (tobacco and alcohol), visits to any dentist and sugar consumption was recorded. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

More than 72% had education above high school, 86.1% used tooth brush to clean their teeth, 47% had never been to a dentist, more than 50% did not receive any oral care, 61% used associated products of tobacco, majority had a high sugar exposure and more than 55% consumed alcohol every day in varying quantities.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study suggests that efforts need to be increased to create awareness on oral hygiene among this socially stigmatized community to have a positive dental health attitude and behaviour.