Scientific production on LGBTQIA+ health: a critical analysis of the literature

Abstract

This study analyzes the stigmatizing potential of studies on the LGBTQIA+ population indexed on the PubMED database. By a broad and systematic bibliographic search, 821 publications were found and 334 (40.68%) were included in this study. From these, 1838 keywords were extracted. Data analysis showed that the keywords “men who have sex with man” (192 repetitions) and “HIV” (98 repetitions) had the highest prevalence. Thus, according to the analysis, the LGBTQIA+ population is essentially described as “men who have sex with other men” and “HIV positive.” This study unveils the presence of stigmatizing characteristics in studies on the LGBTQIA+ population. However, such findings can help strengthen the critical perspective of a more humanized scientific practice, actually concerned with the specificities and needs of the LGBTQIA+ population.

Keywords:
Sexual and Gender Minorities; Prejudice; Social Stigma; Scientific Publication Indicators; Subject Headings