A scoping review of the structuring of questions about sexual orientation and gender identity

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping review is to map the extent of the current research on how to best structure questions asking respondents to self-identify their sexual orientation and gender identity and to ascertain what further issues about measurement need to be explored. Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework for scoping reviews, 52 articles describing primary research about how to structure sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions, published in the years 2000–2021, were identified and analyzed. The domain of sexuality being asked about (e.g., self-label vs. behavior) needs to be clarified, and gender identity should be asked through a multipart item differentiating current identity from the sex assigned at birth. The terms used in the response options should be defined and may vary based on the study population or context. Contrary to expectations given the wide range of question formats currently being used in the field, there is considerable consensus around the basic tenets for structuring questions designed to assess SOGI dimensions.