Estimating LGBTIA Populations in OECD Member States: A JBI Scoping Review Protocol

The objective of this scoping review is to systematically identify and compile available quantitative estimates of the size of LGBTIA populations in OECD member states. We analyze the underlying definitional concepts, study designs, and operationalizations. The focus is on how these factors influence the comparability, visibility, and interpretability of population shares. Introduction: From public health, social science, and equality policy perspectives, the collection of demographic data on LGBTIA populations is highly relevant. In OECD member states, however, there is—as regards the period of data collection since 2018—no systematic overview of available quantitative population data on LGBTIA individuals nor an analysis of their underlying methodological and conceptual foundations. Inclusion Criteria: We include empirical studies, statistical surveys, and systematic reviews that report quantitative figures on the population shares of LGBTIA people in OECD countries. Different forms of operationalization are eligible, e.g., based on identity, behavior, community affiliation, or external attribution. Studies with data collection from January 1, 2018, onward are included, irrespective of the publication language. Methods: This scoping review follows the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and will be reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature search proceeds in three stages: (1) initial search to identify terminology, (2) searches in electronic literature databases using a specific search strategy, and (3) snowballing and a search of grey literature. Two reviewers independently conduct screening and data extraction, followed by a joint descriptive and thematic analysis. In addition, for each prevalence study we document whether, and to what extent, methodological aspects from the JBI Checklist for Prevalence Studies were considered.