Characteristics of Family Planning and Sexual Reproductive Health among Syrian Refugee Women and Girls in Lebanon

Background : The Syrian conflict has led to displacement of millions of refugees across neighboring countries, with large numbers seeking refuge in Lebanon. Among them adolescent girls and young women face significant sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges that pose serious threats on their wellbeing. Considering the evolving humanitarian context in Lebanon following recent crises, this present study aimed to assess Family Planning (FP) and SRH characteristics among this population. Methods: This trial was conducted in two primary healthcare centers in Lebanon as part of the Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) trial, a community-based randomized controlled trial evaluating a WHO-developed integrated intervention on FP, SRH, and wellbeing. A total of 485 Syrian refugee women and girls completed the baseline survey using the PAPFAM tool which includes data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to reproduction, family planning, and sexual health. In this study, baseline characteristics of recruited participants are reported. Results: Findings indicate that early marriage and pregnancy (before age 18) are prevalent, with high rates of spontaneous abortion (30%) and low antenatal screening frequency, 4 times on average mainly to confirm pregnancy. FP use is generally low (38%), although attitudes towards FP are mostly positive (65%), and shared FP decision-making with spouses is common (58%). Pills and IUDs were reportedly the most preferred FP methods, although most participants were only using pills (72%). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) symptoms were common (at least 50% agreement for all symptoms), although identification of STIs was overall low. Fungus was the most reported diagnosis (22%) and the most commonly known STI (76%). AIDS-related knowledge was very low, with 52% and 64% not being able to identify any option for transmission and prevention respectively, and with only 32% believing AIDS is avoidable. Conclusions: This study highlights urgent gaps in SRH and FP among Syrian refugee women and girls in Lebanon. Targeted community-based interventions are highly needed to improve overall characteristics, including health-related experiences, knowledge, and service use, and ultimately to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Number NCT07008950 initial release on February 28th 2025 and last release on June 5th 2025 with the clinical trial registry at the National Institute of Health (NIH) protocol registration system.