Abstract
Introduction: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research in Ireland remains limited, with substantial gaps in knowledge concerning health disparities among diverse LGBTQ+ populations. This scoping review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence, offering a foundational understanding of the existing research landscape and pinpointing areas for future exploration.
Aims & Objectives: The review aims to map the scope of SGM health research in Ireland, identifying primary areas of focus and critical gaps in representation to guide future research priorities and policy development.
Methods: A systematic search was performed across PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Embase, utilising search terms created in collaboration with a specialist librarian. The initial search yielded 1,455 records, which, after duplicate removal, resulted in 1,197 unique studies for screening. After title, abstract, and full-text reviews, 59 studies were included. Studies were categorised by health domain and population group, allowing an analysis of prevailing themes and research gaps.
Outcomes: The review revealed that mental health (22 studies) and sexual health (20 studies) are the primary focus areas, followed by substance use (6), cancer (3), and ageing (1). Additionally, eight studies specifically examined transgender health, and two explored happiness and social connection, reflecting the core themes within Irish SGM health research.
Discussion: The findings show a marked focus on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), with limited representation of intersex individuals, bisexual populations, and sexual minority women. Minority stress theory underpins much of the research as an explanatory model for SGM health disparities, yet it may inadequately address the intersecting social and contextual influences affecting health across diverse identities. Furthermore, Ireland’s lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in national health surveys and electronic health records hinders a comprehensive understanding of SGM health needs, restricting efforts to address health inequities across LGBTQ+ populations.
Conclusion: More research is essential to adequately address the health needs of Ireland’s sexual and gender minority populations. The integration of SOGI data into national health datasets is imperative for tracking health outcomes and achieving health equity across all LGBTQ+ communities.
Notes
References:
Gilmore, J. et al. (2024, October 10). Scoping Review Protocol: Physical and Mental Health Among LGBTQI+ Individuals in Ireland. Retrieved from osf.io/uvqj9
Sigma Membership
Omega Epsilon at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health, LGBTQ+, Ireland
Recommended Citation
Gilmore, John P.; Hughes, Tonda; Drabble, Laurie; Noone, Chris; Thomas, Siobhan; Kearns, Sean; Stokes, Diarmuid; and Bochicchio, Lauren, "Addressing LGBTQ+ Health in Ireland: A Scoping Review to Identify the Current Landscape" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 146.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/146
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Addressing LGBTQ+ Health in Ireland: A Scoping Review to Identify the Current Landscape
Seattle, Washington, USA
Introduction: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research in Ireland remains limited, with substantial gaps in knowledge concerning health disparities among diverse LGBTQ+ populations. This scoping review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence, offering a foundational understanding of the existing research landscape and pinpointing areas for future exploration.
Aims & Objectives: The review aims to map the scope of SGM health research in Ireland, identifying primary areas of focus and critical gaps in representation to guide future research priorities and policy development.
Methods: A systematic search was performed across PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Embase, utilising search terms created in collaboration with a specialist librarian. The initial search yielded 1,455 records, which, after duplicate removal, resulted in 1,197 unique studies for screening. After title, abstract, and full-text reviews, 59 studies were included. Studies were categorised by health domain and population group, allowing an analysis of prevailing themes and research gaps.
Outcomes: The review revealed that mental health (22 studies) and sexual health (20 studies) are the primary focus areas, followed by substance use (6), cancer (3), and ageing (1). Additionally, eight studies specifically examined transgender health, and two explored happiness and social connection, reflecting the core themes within Irish SGM health research.
Discussion: The findings show a marked focus on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), with limited representation of intersex individuals, bisexual populations, and sexual minority women. Minority stress theory underpins much of the research as an explanatory model for SGM health disparities, yet it may inadequately address the intersecting social and contextual influences affecting health across diverse identities. Furthermore, Ireland’s lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in national health surveys and electronic health records hinders a comprehensive understanding of SGM health needs, restricting efforts to address health inequities across LGBTQ+ populations.
Conclusion: More research is essential to adequately address the health needs of Ireland’s sexual and gender minority populations. The integration of SOGI data into national health datasets is imperative for tracking health outcomes and achieving health equity across all LGBTQ+ communities.
Description
This scoping review synthesises sexual and gender minority (SGM) health research in Ireland, highlighting a focus on mental and sexual health with limited studies on bisexual, intersex, and sexual minority women. Findings underscore the need for SOGI data integration to improve health equity across LGBTQ+ populations.