Uncovering Oral Health Concerns: Exploring dental anxiety within Transgender community- A systematic review

Abstract

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) have substantial implications for oral health, often resulting in the avoidance of dental care and negative consequences. Despite facing unique health challenges and discrimination, there is a lack of research on the prevalence of DFA among transgender individuals. This paper seeks to synthesize evidence regarding the prevalence of DFA within this population.

We searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database, Web of Science, and LILACS, for studies published up to May 2024. We included observational studies, cross-sectional studies, surveys, and cohort studies that provided data on DFA prevalence among transgender individuals. Eligible studies were screened, and data extraction was performed according to predefined criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-E tool, while the level of evidence and quality were assessed following the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines.

Among the 20 studies assessed for eligibility, only 2 met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in the review. These studies reported varying prevalence rates of DFA among transgender individuals, with both exhibiting a moderate risk of bias. However, the quality of evidence was deemed low due to the limited number of studies and their observational nature.

The available evidence indicates that transgender individuals experience notable levels of dental fear and anxiety, which contribute to disparities in accessing oral health care and achieving positive outcomes. This review underscores the imperative for further high-quality research to comprehensively understand and address the oral health needs of transgender individuals, ensuring equitable and effective dental care.