Quality of Life among Transgender Individuals in Manipur: A Comparative Study of Trans Men and Trans Women

Abstract

Introduction: The quality of life for transgender individuals may be negatively impacted by stigma, discrimination, a lack of social support, and difficulties accessing healthcare, education, job, and other resources. Studies research comparing the quality of life of trans men and trans women in Manipur remains limited.

Objectives: To assess Quality of Life of transgender people in Manipur and to compare the quality of life of trans males and trans women.

Methods: 156 transgender people in Manipur—78 transmen and 78 transwomen—were chosen using stratified random sampling for a cross-sectional comparative study. Data were collected using a semi-structured socio-demographic schedule and the WHOQOL-BREF to assessing physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains.

Results: Trans men had higher mean quality-of-life scores than trans women across all four domains and overall quality of life; however, none of the differences were statistically significant (p > 0.05). Therefore, the results imply that transmen and transwomen in Manipur have similar quality-of-life experiences.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for gender-responsive and inclusive treatments to assist transgender people's overall welfare and quality of life, as transmen and transwomen in Manipur enjoy similar quality of life.