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Predictors of Contraception Use Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Maternal and Child Health Journal volume 25, pages 684–693 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore the factors that could predict contraceptive use. This will help develop interventions to increase the use of family planning methods among Syrian refugees.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional survey on a random sample of male and female Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon. Data collection took place between September 2016 and February 2017 collected from 5 districts: Bekaa, Beirut and Mount Lebanon, North, and South Lebanon. Seven hundred and ninety-five Syrian refugees (males and females) were recruited from health care centers in areas with greatest concentration of Syrian refugees. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0. Student t test was used for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables along with logistic regression models. Statistical significance was achieved at p-value < 0.05.

Results

Around 40% of the Syrian refugees currently use contraceptives. After adjusting for covariates, factors associated with use of contraceptives were discussing contraception use with a health care practitioner, originating from Damascus, planning for the desired number of children, and receiving any form of external assistance. On the other hand, factors associated with lack of use of contraceptives were residing in South Lebanon or Bekaa and living in unfinished buildings, work sites, or unused garage, with two or less rooms.

Conclusions

Contraception use among Syrian refugees in Lebanon is multifactorial with some factors being modifiable. Efforts should be made to educate and motivate health care practitioners to discuss contraceptive use with refugees for optimal public health outcomes that would protect women from the risks of unintended pregnancies.

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Acknowledgements

The primary health care centers where data was collected: Ebad Al Rahman, Tahaddi, Amel, Al Farouk, Al Nahda, Al Iman, Srepta, Al Bonian and to Yaman Hneineh for helping in data collection. This work was supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)—Lebanon

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Jinan Usta

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Rim Taleb, Sarah El Harakeh, Rana El Kheir, Malak Jbahi, Shatha Dassouki & Issam Shaarani

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  1. Jinan Usta
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  2. Rim Taleb
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  3. Sarah El Harakeh
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  4. Rana El Kheir
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  5. Malak Jbahi
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  6. Shatha Dassouki
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  7. Issam Shaarani
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Correspondence to Issam Shaarani.

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Usta, J., Taleb, R., El Harakeh, S. et al. Predictors of Contraception Use Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study. Matern Child Health J 25, 684–693 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-03098-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-03098-9

Keywords

  • Reproductive health
  • Contraception
  • Family planning
  • Refugees
  • Syria
  • Lebanon