Do self-help groups improve sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes among female sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review 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.