Perceived stigma and quality of life among transgenders

A quantitative study was conducted among transgenders living in Madurai district, South India to assess the level of perceived stigma and quality of life. A descriptive research design was used. Snowball sampling was used to select the sample. Data were collected using transgender stigma questionnaire and World Health Organization quality of life BREF scale. Analysis revealed that transgerders experienced stigma with majority of them experiencing severe (23.3%) to moderate (50%) level. Majority of them had low (20%) to moderate (60%) quality of life. Negative correlation (r = -.38) was found between perceived stigma and quality of life. Educational status (p=.01) and occupation (p=.02) were significantly associated with perceived stigma (p=. 04). Occupation was significantly associated with low quality of life. Further studies are needed to generalize the findings. Nurses should be aware that perception of stigma in transgenders can influence their quality of life.