Trafficking and Health: A Systematic Review of Research Methods

Abstract

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is a human rights violation with serious public health consequences. Unfortunately, assessing TIP and its health sequelae rigorously and reliably is challenging due to TIP's clandestine nature, variation in definitions of TIP, and the need to use research methods that ensure studies are ethical and feasible. To help guide practice, policy, and research to assess TIP and health, we undertook a systematic literature review of 70 peer-reviewed, published articles to (a) identify TIP and health research methods being used, (b) determine what we can learn about TIP and health from these varied methodologies, and (c) determine the gaps that exist in health-focused TIP research. Results revealed that there are various quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods being used to investigate TIP and health. Furthermore, findings show that the limitations of current methodologies affect what is known about TIP and health. In particular, varying definitions, participant recruitment strategies, ethical standards, and outcome measures all affect what is known about TIP and health. Moreover, findings demonstrate an urgent need for representative and nonpurposive recruitment strategies in future investigations of TIP and health as well as research on risk and protective factors related to TIP and health, intervention effectiveness, long-term health outcomes, and research on trafficked people beyond women trafficked for sex. We offer recommendations for research, policy, and practice based on review results.

Research trends on human trafficking: a bibliometric analysis using Scopus database

“…Findings of a bibliometric analysis are difficult to obtain by other research methods such as systematic or scoping reviews. For example, a recent systematic review of research methods on HT and health concluded that despite the presence of various quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the implemented methodological approaches have limitations that affect what is known about HT and health [ 41 ]. Most available literature on HT is based on emotional stories rather than on empirical research [ 42 ].…”

Hospital Health Provider Experiences of Identifying and Treating Trafficked Persons

“…Regardless of the reason for being trafficked, an individual's development and life trajectory is negatively disrupted. Many may seek the support of mental health services, physical healthcare services, and social services (Cannon, Arcara, Graham, & Macy, 2016).…”

Who is in Your Waiting Room? Health Care Professionals as Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed First Responders to Human Trafficking

“…Relative to other problems such as intimate partner violence, anti-trafficking practicepolicy feedback loops, in which health care professionals and researchers inform the work of policymakers, are in their infancy. While some researchers have developed and tested appropriate screening tools, little research exists on the evaluation and development of evidence-based practices for identifying and treating victims of trafficking [22,23]. Progress has been made, however, in developing and disseminating recommended practices and protocols in institutions [24].…”