Indigenous People and Sexual Health in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Scoping Review of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Objectives This scoping review aims to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning STIs among indigenous populations in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing gender and intersectionality.Methods A systematic search was conducted between May and September 2024 in six specialized health sciences databases, with no language or date restrictions. Original studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Study selection and data extraction were peer-reviewed, and information was organized for descriptive analysis.Results Thirty-two articles were included out of 1,908 identified, carried out in 14 countries, highlighting Guatemala, Mexico, and Colombia, mainly in rural areas. In total, 21.9% of studies focused particularly on women. Notably, HIV-focused studies predominated, revealing a significant concentration of research on this specific infection. Limited knowledge, mostly restricted exclusively to HIV, misconceptions, and barriers to condom use related to culture, gender, and access were reported. Attitudes reflected stigma toward HIV and sex education, hindering diagnosis and treatment, and perpetuating risky sexual behavior.Conclusions Structural inequalities faced by indigenous peoples, along with gender, poverty, and social exclusion factors, contribute to vulnerability to STIs, limiting access to essential services and self-care.