Health Equity in Conflict-Affected Populations: A Scoping Review of Nursing Research and Structural Determinants of Health in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Background Populations in conflict-affected settings, particularly the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), face profound health inequities driven by structural determinants such as occupation, blockade, political instability, and systemic violence. Nurses are uniquely positioned to address these inequities, yet a comprehensive mapping of nursing-related health equity research in oPt is lacking. Purpose This scoping review aims to map the extent, range, and nature of health equity research relevant to nursing in the occupied Palestinian territory, with a specific focus on structural determinants of health, nursing interventions, and methodological approaches. Research Questions Primary Question: What is the extent, range, and nature of published nursing-relevant health equity research in the occupied Palestinian territory? Sub-Questions: What structural, political, social, and environmental determinants of health are documented in oPt? What health outcomes and disease burdens have been studied in relation to these determinants? What nursing roles, interventions, and workforce issues have been described? What methodological approaches have been employed? What are the major gaps in evidence for future nursing research and policy? Methods This scoping review follows Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers conducted title/abstract and full-text screening. Data were extracted using a standardized form and thematically synthesized. Expected Outcomes The review will provide a comprehensive map of nursing-relevant health equity research in oPt, identify evidence gaps, and offer recommendations for future nursing research, practice, and policy in conflict-affected settings. Findings will be organized around key themes including structural and political determinants, mental health, chronic disease burden, nursing workforce resilience, and environmental justice.