A Systematic Literature Review of Community-Based Participatory Health Research with Sexual and Gender Minority Communities.

PURPOSE

The objective was to review sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research studies to gain an understanding of how the community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework has been operationalized.

METHODS

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a review of all SGM health research studies published in the past 10 years that cited a CBPR approach (PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42016036608). CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched in October 2020. Dimensions of community involvement (e.g., shared decision-making; flexibility to community needs and priorities) and the strength of evidence for each dimension were rated using guidance from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality.

RESULTS

The 48 eligible articles identified reported a range of 0-11 (out of 13) community elements. Seven studies reported zero elements. Qualitative studies (=28; 58.3%) had an average quality score of 2.32 (range: 1.43-2.5). The 15 (31.3%) cross-sectional studies had an average quality score of 2.08 (range: 1.64-2.27).

CONCLUSION

Adhering to the CBPR framework is challenging. The benefits of striving toward its principles, however, can move us toward transformative and sustainable social change within SGM communities.