Inferências entre a autopercepção do estado de saúde bucal com as identidades e com o histórico odontológico de pessoas LGBTQIAPN+: um estudo transversal

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to assess possible associations between self-perceived oral health status and the specific identities within the LGBTQIAPN+ community, as well as their dental care history. To achieve this, data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 463 adult Brazilian LGBTQIAPN+ participants. Among the main statistically significant findings were: higher prevalence and likelihood of reporting satisfaction with oral health status were observed among cisgender individuals (PR: 1.73 – CI/95%: 1.29–2.30; OR: 2.57 – CI/95%: 1.64–4.01), homosexual participants (PR: 1.33 – CI/95%: 1.09–1.62; OR: 1.72 - IC95%: 1.19–2.5), and those who had experienced or feared experiencing LGBTQIAPN+phobia (PR: 1.37 – CI/95%: 1.08–1.74; OR: 1.78 – CI/95%: 1.18–2.68), or who had avoided or would avoid dental appointments due to fear of discrimination (PR: 1.66 – CI/95%: 1.22–2.24; OR: 2.38 - CI/95%: 1.49–3.80). On the other hand, difficulty accessing dental treatment decreased both the prevalence (PR: 0.304 - CI/95%: 0.217–0.427) and the likelihood (OR: 0.142 - CI/95%: 0.0891–0.226) of self-reported satisfaction with oral health status. It is concluded that the information gathered may support the development of future public oral health policies aimed at reducing the oral health inequities experienced by this vulnerable population.