Introduction Self-help groups (SHGs) have been effective in improving the health and wellbeing of women generally but there is little evidence on whether and how they improve HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among female sex workers (FSWs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review seeks to address this gap by identifying and analysing literature on SHG for FSWs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Materials and methods This scoping review (1) identified relevant studies; (2) selected the studies; (3) charted the data; and (4) collated, summarised, and reported the results. A search strategy was developed; CINAHL, Medline and Global Health databases were searched.

Results Eleven studies were identified, two were quantitative, seven were qualitative and two were mixed methods. Studies were from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The studies suggested that SHGs can improve SRH outcomes and reduce HIV vulnerabilities among FSWs by providing emotional and financial support, health education, linkage to care, and social capital (i.e., benefits derived from associations). The studies also highlighted the need for tailored interventions that address the unique needs and challenges faced by FSWs.

Conclusions The findings of this scoping review underscore the importance of building social cohesion by incorporating SHGs into a range of HIV prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. SHGs have the potential to improve SRH and HIV outcomes among FSWs. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of SHGs in different contexts and to identify best practices for implementing and sustaining SHGs for FSWs.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This work was supported by Wellcome [214280]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. All arguments and opinions expressed in this protocol are solely of the authors.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

As this study is a scoping review that synthesises existing literature and does not involve original data collection from human participants, ethical approval was not required. Therefore, there are no details of an IRB or oversight body to provide.

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This scoping review synthesises existing literature on whether and how self-help groups improve female sex workers’ sexual and reproductive health and HIV outcomes in SSA. The data and studies included in this review are derived from publicly accessible sources. All articles reviewed are available through Medline, Global Health and CINAHL databases, and can be accessed without restriction. While the review does not present original data, it compiles findings from eleven studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2024. Interested researchers can access these studies directly through their respective journals or databases. The protocol for this study has been published and is accessible at the following DOI: [https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23002.1]. This protocol outlines the methodology used in this study and is available for reference by researchers interested in replicating or building upon this work.

https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23002.1