Protocol for a scoping review of literature on digital sexual, reproductive, and gender health care for LGBTQI+ youth

Abstract

IntroductionLesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQI+) youth are diverse populations who experience poor sexual health outcomes (e.g., high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), unplanned pregnancy, and sexual violence) and multiple barriers to sexual and reproductive health care (SRHC) and gender health care (GHC). In high-income, developed countries, barriers include confidentiality concerns; stigma and discrimination; and health care providers’ lack of specific training. Digital SRHC and GHC have the potential to overcome key barriers for LGBTQI+ youth by offering anonymous and independent access to care. However, the literature on digital SRHC and GHC for LGBTQI+ youth is fragmented, often focussing on one sub-population at a time, despite shared barriers. The extent and nature of recent literature regarding digital SRHC and GHC for LGBTQI+ youth is unclear, as is acceptability of, and barriers/facilitators to, LGBTQI+ youth engaging with digital SRHC and GHC.ObjectiveTo identify, describe, and evaluate the methodological quality of, the existing literature on digital SRHC and GHC for LGBTQI+ youth in high-income, developed countries, synthesise study findings, and make recommendations for future research.Inclusion criteriaResearch studies from 2018 onward in published and grey literature on any aspect of digital (e.g., websites, mobile applications) SRHC and GHC (e.g., online information, support and advice, and clinical care for STIs and HIV, fertility, sexual violence, sexual wellbeing, and gender expression and transition) for LGBTQI+ youth (aged 10-35 years) in high-income, developed countries.MethodThis study will follow the Joanna-Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The databases to be searched include APA PsycInfo (ProQuest); APA PsycArticles (ProQuest); CINAHL Complete (EBSCO); MEDLINE (EBSCO); ERIC (EBSCO); British Education Index (EBSCO); Education Database (ProQuest); Computer Science Database (ProQuest); and Web of Science. Grey literature will be identified using Google Scholar. Studies will be screened against and selected for inclusion in line with the eligibility criteria. Key data from included studies will be extracted to a structured spreadsheet, adapted from the JBI extraction tool, then synthesised qualitatively using the JBI meta-aggregative approach for a systematic narrative account, accompanied by tables as appropriate.