Gaps in sexual health research about women who have sex with women. A scoping review <span class="so-article-trans-title" dir="auto"> Translated title: Lagunas en la investigación sobre salud sexual en mujeres que tienen sexo con mujeres. Una revisión sistemática exploratoria </span>

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Abstract

Abstract Objective To know the characteristics of the studies that have paid attention to women who have sex with women (WSW) and to identify possible gaps in the interest of comprehensive sexual health in WSW. Method A scoping review on sexual health on WSW was conducted from 2000 to 2019. Papers with lack of focus on sexual health on WSW were excluded and a web tool was used to guarantee blindness. Information was extracted on the key characteristics of the studies and the quality of the evidence. The sexual health categories were comprehensive sexual health, specification of sexual practices in WSW, and recommendations provided. Results 39 studies were included, mostly cross-sectional. The gaps identified were the lack of evidence on sexual health, confusion about sexual orientation and sexual practices, lack of specific interest in comprehensive sexual health and the life cycle approach. Recommendations focused on WSW self-care; interventions aimed at clinical practice, research, education and prevention; and contributions of a feminist approach on sexual health of WSW. Conclusions There are several gaps about in the knowledge about sexual health among WSW. Self-care improvement and specific strategies addressed to the unique characteristics of these women and their different and specific situation and health determinants are highlighted.

Translated abstract

Resumen Objetivo Conocer las características de los estudios centrados na mujeres que tienen sexo na mujeres (MSM) e identificar posibles lagunas na el interés sobre la salud sexual integral de las MSM. Método Revisión sistemática exploratoria sobre salud sexual na MSM entre los años 2000 y 2019. Se excluyeron los estudios no centrados na salud sexual de MSM y se utilizó na herramienta web para asegurar el enmascaramiento. Se extrajo información sobre las características de los estudios y la calidad de la evidencia. Las categorías de análisis fueron: salud sexual integral, especificidad de prácticas sexuales na MSM y recomendaciones aportadas. Resultados Se incluyeron 39 estudios, la mayoría transversales. Las lagunas identificadas fueron la falta de evidencia na salud sexual, la confusión entre orientación sexual y prácticas sexuales, la falta de interés específico na salud sexual integral y el enfoque de ciclo vital. Las recomendaciones se centraron na autocuidados de las MSM; intervenciones enfocadas a la práctica clínica, investigación, educación y prevención; y contribuciones desde na enfoque feminista sobre la salud sexual de las MSM. Conclusiones Existen varias lagunas de conocimiento na la salud sexual de las MSM. Se destaca la necesidad de intervenir na la mejora del autocuidado y también de incluir estrategias específicas dirigidas a las características de estas mujeres, de acuerdo na sus realidades.

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Is Open Access

Scoping studies: advancing the methodology

Danielle Levac, Heather Colquhoun, Kelly K. O’Brien (2010)

Background Scoping studies are an increasingly popular approach to reviewing health research evidence. In 2005, Arksey and O'Malley published the first methodological framework for conducting scoping studies. While this framework provides an excellent foundation for scoping study methodology, further clarifying and enhancing this framework will help support the consistency with which authors undertake and report scoping studies and may encourage researchers and clinicians to engage in this process. Discussion We build upon our experiences conducting three scoping studies using the Arksey and O'Malley methodology to propose recommendations that clarify and enhance each stage of the framework. Recommendations include: clarifying and linking the purpose and research question (stage one); balancing feasibility with breadth and comprehensiveness of the scoping process (stage two); using an iterative team approach to selecting studies (stage three) and extracting data (stage four); incorporating a numerical summary and qualitative thematic analysis, reporting results, and considering the implications of study findings to policy, practice, or research (stage five); and incorporating consultation with stakeholders as a required knowledge translation component of scoping study methodology (stage six). Lastly, we propose additional considerations for scoping study methodology in order to support the advancement, application and relevance of scoping studies in health research. Summary Specific recommendations to clarify and enhance this methodology are outlined for each stage of the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Continued debate and development about scoping study methodology will help to maximize the usefulness and rigor of scoping study findings within healthcare research and practice.