Exploring the contribution of self-help groups to sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes for female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Study Protocol
Abstract: Introduction: Self-help groups (SHGs) have been effective in improving the health and wellbeing of women yet there is a dearth of evidence on how they can improve female sex workers' (FSWs) HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The proposed scoping review seeks to address this gap by identifying and analysing literature on SHGs for FSWs in SSA. Materials and methods: This scoping review will employ the methodology developed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), expanded on by Levac and colleagues (2010) and Colquhoun and colleagues (2014), and further outlined by Peters and colleagues (2020): (1) identifying the research question(s); (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting the studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results. Results: We will report our findings in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. Discussion: The review will generate the most up-to-date evidence and identify gaps in literature in addition to informing future research on how SHGs can help address SRH and HIV outcomes among FSWs in SSA. Additionally, the scoping review can potentially inform a subsequent systematic review.
Source: Wellcome Open Research
Language: English
Topic: Sex work and related issues
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,128
Funder: Wellcome Trust
OpenAlex ID: W4416815143