What are the health impacts of Diethylstilbestrol (DES): protocol for a mixed methods systematic review

This document details the protocol for the above titled mixed methods systematic review conducted by the Exeter Policy Research Programme (PRP) Evidence Review Facility (University of Exeter, UK). The aim of this work is to assess the physical and psychosocial health impacts of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure during pregnancy in women and in their children and subsequent generations of descendants. Review question: What are the physical and psychosocial health impacts of DES exposure during pregnancy in women and in their children and subsequent generations of descendants? Research objectives: To synthesize quantitative studies examining the health impacts of DES exposure during pregnancy in women and in their male and female descendants. To synthesise qualitative studies exploring how women exposed to DES during pregnancy and their male and female descendants view and experience its health impacts. To assess how findings from both syntheses can convergently support understanding of the health impacts of DES exposure in women during pregnancy and in their male and female descendants. Patient and public involvement and engagement: We are thankful to the people with lived experience who contributed their time and knowledge to help inform this protocol. In total, sixty-three people have directly contributed to the protocol development and the review more broadly. Please see Appendix 3 of the uploaded document for detail regarding how the written feedback we received, and our conversations with people with lived experience, informed the protocol. About us: The Exeter PRP Evidence Review facility is independently funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) [NIHR200695] to conduct systematic reviews to inform health and social care policy. Disclaimer: Views expressed in this document are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, Department of Health and Social Care of the Evidence PRP Evidence Review Facility. For further information about this review please contact: [email protected]