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 (n=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.