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Sexual and Reproductive Health of Syrian Refugee Women in Turkey
Introduction to Syrian Refugee Women in Turkey
Turkey hosts the largest community of Syrian refugees globally, with women and children constituting 75% of this population. The ongoing conflict in Syria has forced millions to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Turkey, where they face numerous health and social challenges. This article synthesizes research findings on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of Syrian refugee women in Turkey, highlighting key issues and recommendations for improving their health outcomes.
Key Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues
Early Marriage and Contraceptive Use
Early marriage is a significant issue among Syrian refugee women in Turkey, with a high rate of marriages occurring under the age of 18 and the mean age at first marriage being between 18 and 20. The use of modern contraceptive methods is notably low, with only 24% of married Syrian women using them, leading to a high unmet need for family planning at about 35% . This low contraceptive use contributes to unplanned pregnancies and associated health risks.
Antenatal Care and Gynecological Health
Antenatal care among Syrian refugee women is inadequate, with only 20% of women having regular gynecological visits. This lack of care is compounded by high rates of abnormal vaginal discharge reported among half of the women attending gynecology outpatient clinics. These issues highlight significant gaps in maternal and neonatal health services.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a pervasive problem, with reported rates of sexual violence around 8% among Syrian refugee women in Turkey . The media often frames these women in a negative light, portraying them as sexualized threats, which exacerbates their vulnerability and hinders their social integration .
Mental Health and Psychological Support
Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mental health is another critical area of concern. A study on culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA-CBT) for Syrian refugee women in Turkey showed promising results. CA-CBT significantly reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and anxious-depressive distress, with low drop-out rates and no adverse events, indicating its effectiveness and feasibility. This therapy could be a valuable psychological intervention for traumatized Syrian refugees.
Barriers to Health Care Access
Language and Awareness
Language barriers and a lack of awareness about available health services are major obstacles for Syrian refugee women in accessing health care in Turkey. Many women are unaware of their rights to free health care, and the language barrier complicates their interactions with health care providers. Additionally, negative attitudes from health care staff and long waiting times further reduce their satisfaction with the services.
Social and Economic Challenges
The cost of living, increased rent, and economic hardships also impact the health and well-being of Syrian refugee women. These challenges limit their ability to seek and receive adequate health care, exacerbating their health issues .
Recommendations for Improved Health Care
Multilevel Approach and Policy Solutions
To address these issues, a multilevel approach is recommended. This includes eliminating social and service delivery barriers, conducting thorough needs assessments, and creating policy and programmatic solutions that establish long-term care for Syrian refugee women. Training health care workers to ensure a skilled workforce and community-based efforts to overcome barriers to access are also crucial.
Enhancing SRH Services
Improving the range, quality, and accessibility of SRH services is essential. This involves developing long-term strategies with the participation of all stakeholders to address early marriage, low contraceptive use, unmet family planning needs, and SGBV.
Conclusion
Syrian refugee women in Turkey face significant sexual and reproductive health challenges, including early marriage, low contraceptive use, inadequate antenatal care, and high rates of sexual violence. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort to improve health care access, enhance SRH services, and provide effective mental health support. By implementing these recommendations, Turkey can better support the health and well-being of Syrian refugee women.
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