DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.180198.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Women’s Health Evidence Synthesis in South Australia: A Mapping Review

Zohra Lassi, Negin Mirzaei Damabi, Danielle Pollock, Zachary Munn, Jodie Avery
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Women’s health research is essential for addressing gender-specific disparities and supporting equitable healthcare delivery. In South Australia, researchers have produced numerous evidence synthesis outputs, including systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses. However, there has been no comprehensive mapping of these studies to understand their thematic focus, methodological quality, and opportunities for improvement. This mapping review systematically examined women’s health evidence synthesis led by researchers affiliated with South Australian institutions. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and a registered protocol, a systematic search of ScienceDirect and grey literature sources identified 246 eligible studies. The most common themes were preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and intrapartum health, while areas such as sexual health, mental health, Indigenous health, and violence and abuse were notably underrepresented. Methodological assessment revealed that over half of the studies were systematic reviews or meta-analyses, yet many lacked prospective registration, formal quality appraisal, or adherence to reporting standards. These findings highlight both the strengths and critical gaps in South Australia’s women’s health evidence synthesis landscape. Addressing these disparities through targeted funding, stronger methodological training, and adherence to review guidelines will be essential to improve research quality, guide policy development, and ensure that women’s health research effectively supports equitable health outcomes across the state.

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