Gaps in sexual health research about women who have sex with women. A scoping review

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.

Keywords: Enfoques feministas; Feminist approaches; Infecciones de transmisión sexual; Mujeres que tienen sexo con mujeres; Salud sexual; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted infections; Women who have sex with women.