Mapping methodological approaches in perinatal health and wellbeing research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: a scoping review protocol
Res McCalman, Sarah Khaw, Anneka Bowman, Isabella Garti, Yvette RoeBackground
Perinatal health research on, with or by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women has grown in recent decades. Research methodologies comprise theoretical frameworks, researcher standpoints and chosen methods, which inform research processes and outcomes. For maximum research benefit and impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, methodologies should be culturally authentic and rigorous. This paper aims to examine research methodologies used to inform the body of evidence regarding perinatal health and/or well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia.
Methods and analysis
This protocol follows a process as described by Arksey and O’Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (the PRISMA-ScR). A team approach will be used throughout the review process. A preliminary search of databases for peer-reviewed research articles was undertaken on 10 February 2026, from inception up until this date, and included PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Informit Indigenous Collection (Informit) and Scopus. Independent double screening will occur, where title and abstract screening will locate Australian research articles focusing on Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander women during the perinatal period (up to 1 year post birth), with no date limit. Data extraction will be guided by the Population/Concept/Context (PCC) framework and use a standardised data extraction form. Multi-method analysis will include descriptive data, tables and/or visual graphs and qualitative content analysis.
Ethics and dissemination
A research ethics application was not required for this scoping review. The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women should inform and be embedded throughout the design, delivery and evaluation of maternity services aiming to serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. It is anticipated that findings from this scoping review will be disseminated publicly at conferences and with community research partners, to support the development and adoption of research approaches that are ethical, culturally grounded and meaningfully aligned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community priorities.