Mapping the scientific literature on obstetrical and perinatal health among sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) populations: a scoping review protocol

Introduction: Sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) populations are disproportionately impacted by multi-level risk factors for obstetric and perinatal outcomes, including structural (e.g., stigma/discrimination, access to care) and individual risk factors (e.g., partner violence, poor mental health, substance use, etc.). Emerging evidence shows SGM pregnant and birthing people have worse obstetric and perinatal outcomes when compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. However, there lacks a comprehensive understanding of obstetrical and perinatal physical health risks among SGM pregnant/birthing people and their offspring, and the research gaps in this field. The goal of this scoping review is to comprehensively map the extent, range, and nature of scientific literature on obstetrical and perinatal physical health outcomes among SGM pregnant/birthing people and their offspring. We aim to summarize findings from existing literature, highlight gaps, and provide directions for future research. Methods and analysis: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI scoping review framework and reported according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A broad systematic search will be conducted in Medline/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection. Peer-reviewed empirical studies pertaining to obstetric and perinatal physical health outcomes of SGM pregnant and/or birthing people or their offspring will be eligible for inclusion in this review. No temporal or geographical limitations will be applied to the search, and only articles written in English will be eligible for inclusion. Studies conducted in all settings will be considered. Records will be managed, screened, and extracted independently by multiple reviewers. Study characteristics, key findings, and gaps in research will be presented in a tabular form with a narrative summary