Manifestations and Impacts of Racial Aggressions on Black Individuals' Health and Well-Being in University Settings Across Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Countries: Protocol for an Integrative Review

The number of international migrants continues to rise globally, particularly in countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This growing diversity presents sociopolitical challenges related to social cohesion, which are also reflected in academic settings. Some individuals are exposed to different forms of discrimination based on skin color, including both racial microaggressions and macroaggressions. Racism is a major determinant of health and has deleterious effects on those exposed to it.

This protocol aims to analyze and synthesize existing knowledge on racial aggressions, both macroaggressions and microaggressions, experienced by Black individuals as students or members of the teaching staff (including lecturers and professors) in university contexts across OECD countries. The research question posed for this purpose is as follows: What does the scientific literature reveal about racial aggressions (both macroaggressions and microaggressions) experienced by Black individuals as students or members of the teaching staff in university contexts across OECD countries?

This integrative review protocol is developed in accordance with the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) guidelines. An integrative review will be conducted following the framework of Whittemore and Knafl. It will be carried out in 7 distinct phases: (1) problem identification, (2) literature search, (3) study selection, (4) data evaluation, (5) data extraction and analysis, (6) data synthesis, and (7) presentation of findings. A literature search will be conducted using electronic databases such as CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus/Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies addressing various forms of racial aggression in academic environments. The methodological framework of Whittemore and Knafl will guide the entire review process, from study selection to data analysis and synthesis. The quality assessment of the studies included in this integrative review will be conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT; 2018 version).

The study identification and selection process began in September 2025. A total of 7098 records were identified through electronic database searches. The literature to be reviewed is expected to include studies conducted across multiple OECD countries involving diverse university populations, such as students, faculty, and administrative staff, and using a range of methodological approaches. This integrative review will examine how racial aggressions (both microaggressions and macroaggressions) manifest in academic settings, the strategies developed by Black individuals to cope with these experiences, and their impacts on health and well-being. Study completion is anticipated between August and September 2026.

The findings will inform future research on racial aggressions in higher education and contribute to the development of evidence-based prevention strategies. Ultimately, the review aims to support the development of university policies and programs that promote inclusive environments and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students and staff.