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

Abstract

This paper analyzes the stigmatizing potential of studies conducted on the LGBTQIA+ population and indexed on the PubMED database. A broad and systematic bibliographic search identified 821 publications, of which it included 334 (40.68%), extracting 1838 descriptors. Data analysis showed the highest prevalence and potency for the descriptors “men who have sex with man” (192 repetitions) and “HIV” (98 repetitions). Thus, the analysis reveal that the LGBTQIA+ population is essentially described as “men who have sex with other men and are HIV positive.” This research unveils the presence of stigmatizing characteristics in the studies with 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.