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Reproductive Health
Published in: Reproductive Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Contraception | Research

Sexual and reproductive health of adolescent Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon: a qualitative study of healthcare provider and educator perspectives

Authors: Sasha Abdallah Fahme, Maia Sieverding, Sawsan Abdulrahim

Published in: Reproductive Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Adolescent Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon are thought to experience a disproportionate risk of poor sexual and reproductive health, related in part to conflict and displacement. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore healthcare provider and educator perceptions of the sexual and reproductive health determinants and care-seeking behaviors of this vulnerable population. The findings of the study will inform a health intervention that aims to reduce early marriage and improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services.

Methods

In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders who work with adolescent Syrian refugee girls in an under-resourced area of eastern Lebanon bordering Syria. Data analysis followed principles of Clarke and Braun’s thematic analysis.

Results

Study participants perceived adolescent pregnancy, reproductive tract infections, and sexual- and gender-based violence as major population health needs. The study also identified a number of influencing structural and sociocultural determinants of health, including early marriage, adolescent disempowerment, and men’s disengagement from care. A conceptual framework based upon the Gelberg–Andersen Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was developed to relate these determinants and guide pathways for potential interventions.

Conclusions

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health interventions among Syrian refugees in Lebanon should adopt a multi-pronged, community-based approach to address underlying health determinants and engage with men and parents of adolescents. Special attention should be given to provider biases in healthcare settings accessible to adolescents, as these may reflect underlying tensions between host and refugee populations and discourage adolescents from seeking care.
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Metadata
Title
Sexual and reproductive health of adolescent Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon: a qualitative study of healthcare provider and educator perspectives
Authors
Sasha Abdallah Fahme
Maia Sieverding
Sawsan Abdulrahim
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Contraception
Published in
Reproductive Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1742-4755
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01170-3

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