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Ethnic and Racial Discrimination and Sexual Health Outcomes Among Adolescents and Adults: Protocol for a Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Discrimination disproportionately affects racialized and Indigenous populations and contributes to health inequities. Ethnic and racial discrimination has been identified as a psychosocial stressor leading to considerable maladaptive physical and mental health outcomes. However, its association with sexual health, a fundamental component of overall health, remains understudied.
Objective:
The main objective of this scoping review is to synthesize evidence on the association between ethnic and racial discrimination and sexual health outcomes (e.g., sexual satisfaction, sexual function) among adolescents and adults, and to identify variables that may moderate or mediate this association.
Methods:
In accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, a search strategy was developed in MEDLINE using the PCC framework and adapted to the following databases: PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase. Peer-reviewed articles with adolescent and adult populations will be considered for inclusion. These studies must focus on at least one indicator of sexual health and racial and/or ethnic discrimination. All social, cultural and geographical contexts will be considered, although literature published prior to 2002 will be excluded. Peer-reviewed articles written in English and French will be imported into Covidence for screening. The study selection strategy will initially be piloted by at least two reviewers until inter-reviewer agreement reaches 75%. After which these reviewers will independently screen the selected articles. Disagreements will be solved through consultation with additional reviewers. Data extraction of relevant study characteristics, findings and elements pertaining to the scoping review’s PCC framework will be done through a standardized data charting template. A PRISMA-ScR flow diagram will be used to represent the study selection. Data synthesis will be presented using tables or figures along with a narrative summary.
Results:
The search strategy was completed for the four databases on July 30th, 2026, by the research team. The search was applied, articles were imported into Covidence, and screening has begun as of August 7th, 2026. The scoping review is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this will be the first attempt to map the extent to which sexual health outcomes have been considered in relation to ethnic and racial discrimination. This scoping review will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the sexual health of ethnically and racially minoritized populations. Findings may inform future systematic reviews and culturally informed interventions aimed at enhancing the sexual health outcomes across vulnerable populations. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences. Clinical Trial: https://osf.io/6pr4y
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Copyright
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