Conducting a systematic review of literature that documents the maternal and child health (MCH) needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities

background Despite the increased recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations in U.S. state and federal health and public health policy, and the inclusion of LGBTQ indicators in Healthy People 2020, there remains a dearth of literature addressing the specific needs of queer families. As the definition of family broadens, it is expected that the number of queer families with children will also continue to rise; if not in occurrence, then as a result of increased visibility. It is documented that LGBTQ populations experience disparities in the incidence of certain physical and mental health issues as well as disparities in access to care. Whether disparities do, or will, exist for the maternal and child health (MCH) needs of LGBTQ populations must be examined.

methods Authors, with the support of a research librarian, will conduct a systematic review. Journals searched will be peer-reviewed journals in the fields of MCH, LGBTQ health, public health, and health policy. Searches will differentiate between issues of sexuality, and issues of gender and gender identity. Additionally, searches will consider a breadth of family health needs. Search parameters, including search terms, populations, and ages, will be documented.

results An initial, rough search using LGBTQ and MCH-realted search terms returned 154 results. A cleaner, more targeted search and a systematic review of the results will be conducted.

public health implications As LGBTQ families become more visible, and the need for culturally appropriate policy grows, current and sound research must be identified and conducted.