Perfil sociodemográfico da população transgênero em acompanhamento no Sistema Único de Saúde no estado da Bahia

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to describe the sociodemographic profile of the transgender population receiving care through Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) in the state of Bahia, with an emphasis on access to gender-affirming hormone therapy and the main barriers faced. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted between 2020 and 2025, involving 900 individuals assisted at the specialized outpatient clinics of the Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital (HUPES) and the State Center for Diagnosis, Care and Research (CEDAP). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were analyzed through standardized questionnaires. Results: The sample consisted of 49% transgender men, 40.9% transgender women, 4.6% travestis, and 5.4% non-binary individuals, with a mean age of 29.8 years. Regarding race/ethnicity, 72.2% self-identified as Black or Brown, and 54% had completed or incomplete higher education. Approximately 49% reported prior self-administered hormone therapy without medical supervision, while 38% used hormones exclusively under medical prescription. The prevalence of depression was 23.6%, anxiety disorders 35.8%, suicide attempts 34%, and illicit drug use 35%. Discussion: The findings indicate that access to specialized healthcare for transgender individuals remains limited and concentrated in major urban centers, mostly among those with higher educational levels. The high rate of self-administered hormone use also highlights deficiencies in healthcare access. Elevated rates of depression, anxiety disorders, previous suicide attempts, and substance use were consistent with findings reported in the literature. Conclusion: Despite institutional advances, SUS services remain insufficient to meet the needs of the transgender population. The expansion and decentralization of multidisciplinary, humanized, and discrimination-free healthcare are urgently needed to ensure equitable access and comprehensive care.