Introduction
The ongoing Syrian refugee crisis has profoundly impacted neighboring countries, with Jordan hosting a significant number of refugees. This influx has placed immense pressure on the country's health services, particularly in the realm of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). A recent systematic literature review titled "An overview of the sexual and reproductive health status and service delivery among Syrian refugees in Jordan, nine years since the crisis" offers critical insights that practitioners can leverage to improve service delivery and outcomes.
Key Findings from the Research
The research highlights several barriers faced by Syrian refugees in accessing SRH services, including:
- Lack of reliable information on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
- Aggravation of early marriages due to the crisis setting.
- Gaps in knowledge and use of family planning services.
- Inadequate coverage for STIs and HIV.
- Challenges in maternal health service provision.
These barriers are compounded by the transition from the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) to comprehensive SRH services, particularly for refugees residing outside camps.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Practitioners can enhance their skills and improve service delivery by focusing on the following areas:
- Improved Coordination: Foster better inter-agency coordination and engage local initiatives and civil societies in SRH service delivery.
- Quality of Services: Enhance the quality of SRH services through regular training of healthcare providers and ensuring the availability of female physicians to cater to cultural sensitivities.
- Awareness and Education: Increase awareness among Syrian women and adolescent girls about available SRH services and their rights.
- Research and Evaluation: Conduct further research to explore effective ways to transition from MISP to comprehensive care, ensuring that the services meet the evolving needs of the refugee population.
Encouraging Further Research
While the systematic review provides a comprehensive overview, there is a need for ongoing research to address the gaps in SRH service delivery. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research initiatives that focus on:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of current SRH interventions.
- Exploring innovative approaches to overcome identified barriers.
- Developing policy briefs to inform decision-makers and improve SRH services for both refugee and host communities.
Conclusion
The insights from this research underscore the importance of data-driven decisions in enhancing SRH service delivery for Syrian refugees in Jordan. By implementing the outcomes of this research, practitioners can play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes and ensuring that the needs of this vulnerable population are met effectively.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: An overview of the sexual and reproductive health status and service delivery among Syrian refugees in Jordan, nine years since the crisis: a systematic literature review.
