SEARCH STRATEGIES | Scoping review of qualitative studies on family planning in Uganda

Abstract

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using eight scholarly databases: MEDLINE (via Ovid interface), EMBASE (via Embase.com), Scopus, CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection (via Thomson Reuters), Global Health (via CABI), PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost) and Women's Studies International (via EBSCOhost). Keyword and controlled vocabulary search terms were used to represent concepts related to sexual and reproductive health in the context of FP or CAC in Uganda. The search was conducted by a health sciences informationist (GKR) in May 2022 then updated in May 2023.

Geographic search terms were used to focus search retrieval on articles referencing Uganda at the country level, by district [20] or capital city of Kampala. Lastly, a revised qualitative/mixed methods search filter was used in all eight database searches [21]. Two unique qualitative/mixed methods search filters were revised for use in Ovid Medline to strive to maximize retrieval of qualitative studies [21,22]. Final search strategies were determined through test searching and the use of search syntax to enhance search retrieval. No language limits were applied. A search was conducted in May 2022, followed by an update of search results in May 2023. Search results were limited to articles published from 2002 to 2022, resulting in 4,217 citations exported to EndNote for processing and removal of duplicate citations. A final count of 1,422 citations were assessed and screened in Rayyan [23] according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.