Relationship between childhood abuse and self-harm among transvestites and transgender women in Rio de Janeiro state 2019-2020

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between childhood abuse and self-harm in a group of transvestites and transgender women from the state of Rio de Janeiro. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 139 participants selected through convenience sampling between 2019 and 2020. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Having experienced emotional abuse in childhood increased the suicide attempt (OR=9.00; 95%CI 1.13;71.34), having experienced psychological violence in childhood increased self-injurious behavior (OR=11.64; 95%CI 2.35;57.5), HIV infection increased suicidal ideation (OR=2.38; 95%CI 1.09;5.21). Conclusion: Childhood abuse, as well as the experience of stigmatizing diseases, increased the risk of self-harm among this population.