LGBTQ Health and Well-Being in China: A Trend Analysis of English- and Chinese-Language Research, 2011–2018

Abstract

Purpose: Research on LGBTQ populations has dramatically increased in both Western and non-Western countries over the past several decades. Attempts to synthesize this research have largely focused on studies conducted in the West. We conducted a review of LGBTQ research in China to elucidate trends and gaps in the literature and to provide a foundation for future research. Methods: We searched the literature to identify studies that focused on LGBTQ people in China using PsycINFO and reviews of article titles and abstracts in 15 English-language LGBTQ-specific journals published between 2011–2018. We used the Wanfang database to identify Chinese-language LGBTQ research articles published in any journal between 2011–2018. Each article was coded by topic, study type, province, and sample. Results: These searches yielded 798 LGBTQ research studies conducted in China between 2011–2018. HIV/AIDS, sexuality, and LGBTQ-specific issues (e.g., coming out) have been most frequently studied. Most of the articles focused on sexual minority men (69.5%), with smaller proportions focused on sexual minority women (15.5%) or transgender individuals (2.6%). The disparity wasreduced after excluding studies on HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. The geographic distribution of studies was uneven; most were conducted in economically developed areas. Conclusion: This study identified gaps and trends in LGBTQ research in China and highlighted priority and under-researched topics to guide future LGBTQ research. More research on these understudied populations and topics will contribute to understanding of LGBTQ populations.