Establishing an Accountability Benchmark for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A 10-Year Scoping Review of Families, Systems, & Health

Introduction: In 2022, Families, Systems, & Health (FSH) issued a statement of purpose to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and developed a strategic plan for promoting EDI in scientific communication and publishing. The purpose of this review was to evaluate a decade of research published in FSH prior to the journal’s initiatives to improve EDI. Method: We utilized a scoping review to broadly review literature published in FSH that focused on topics of race, ethnicity, racism, and/or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) groups. All research studies published in FSH between 2012 and 2021 were independently assessed by two reviewers for inclusion. Charting of data from each study was based on a diversity accountability index. Results: Of the 360 research studies identified, 41 were included in the review. Characteristics and frequencies of keywords, research designs, and samples among the included studies were examined, alongside the reporting of results that focused on the differences between racial/ethnic groups and within BIPOC groups. Discussion: Research focused on race, ethnicity, racism, and diversity science is not well represented among published studies in FSH prior to the implementation of the above-described EDI efforts. Among articles that did focus on these topics, comparisons largely were of a racial/ethnic minority sample to a White sample. Action steps for FSH and other journals wishing to promote EDI include a thorough examination of current journal review procedures paired with the establishment of procedures for combatting bias and racism.