Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Syrian Refugee Women and Girls in Lebanon: Knowledge, Symptoms, and Health-Seeking Behaviors

Background Syrian refugee girls and young women in Lebanon face a disproportionate risk of poor Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes, especially Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). However, limited research has explored key risk and protective factors that shape SRH vulnerabilities. This study examined key associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and experiences of STI symptoms, health-seeking behaviors, and knowledge of AIDS. Methods This cross-sectional study is part of the Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) Trial, which aims to improve SRH and Family Planning (FP) among Syrian refugee women and girls in humanitarian settings. Baseline data (n = 485) were collected from two primary healthcare centers in the Bekaa in Lebanon, using the PAPFAM tool during November and December 2023. Results Findings highlight some factors that align and other that contradict previous literature as discussed in the manuscript. In general, findings suggest that poorer experience of STI symptoms was significantly associated with lower participant age, financial barriers to healthcare access, and use of FP methods (all ps < 0.05). Better knowledge of AIDS was significantly associated with higher education of participants, higher age of spouse, and use of FP methods (all ps < 0.05). Knowledge of AIDS transmission was also significantly associated with higher spouse age, higher education of participants, and use of FP methods (all ps < 0.05). Conclusion This study highlights the role of key protective risk factors in influencing STI symptoms, knowledge of AIDS, and health-seeking behavior. Findings suggest that age, education, economic barriers, and use of family planning methods should be considered in targeted interventions aiming to improve SRH outcomes among this population.