Conceptual frameworks of anaemia determinants in adolescent girls and pregnant women: protocol for a scoping review

Abstract: Anaemia is a major public health concern affecting vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly pregnant women and adolescent girls. Globally, an estimated 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15–49 years suffer from anaemia. This condition arises from multifaceted causes that include nutritional deficiencies (especially iron), infections, chronic diseases, blood loss and socioeconomic factors. Conceptual frameworks have been developed by researchers and organisations to map these determinants of anaemia in high-risk groups. However, no comprehensive review has yet synthesised the existing conceptual frameworks of anaemia determinants for adolescent girls and pregnant women.

Methods and analysis: This scoping review aims to identify and characterise all published conceptual frameworks that depict the determinants of anaemia in adolescent girls and in pregnant women. We will summarise the content and context of the frameworks and identify common themes and gaps to guide future research and interventions. The review reporting will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review methodology enhanced by recommendations from Levac et al to ensure rigour and clarity. We will search MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO and grey literature sources for research related to determinants of anaemia depicted in a conceptual framework or model. No date restrictions will be applied to the literature search. Inclusion will primarily be focused on English-language publications. Synthesis will include both quantitative mapping and qualitative thematic analysis.