Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of refugee women in Lebanon towards contraception use and family planning: insights from vulnerable populations.

BACKGROUND: Syrian refugee women in Lebanon face significant barriers to accessing family planning (FP) due to cultural norms, financial constraints, and disrupted healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to FP and contraception among these women. METHODS: A survey of 790 married Syrian refugee women (aged 18-50) was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024 across four Lebanese governorates. Participants were selected through stratified cluster sampling with household-level convenience sampling. Data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding FP and contraception were collected through structured face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 31.86 ± 8.09 years, with most showing moderate knowledge of FP (mean score: 8.08 ± 2.11). Younger women, recent arrivals, and those with lower education had lower knowledge levels. Misconceptions about oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) were widespread. Overall, 67.1% of women reported using contraception, with withdrawal (33.2%), intrauterine devices (30.4%), and OCPs (19.8%) being the most common methods. Attitudes were influenced by patriarchal norms, with male approval playing a key role in decision-making. Positive attitudes were more common among women with higher education and employment status. CONCLUSION: Syrian refugee women in Lebanon face multiple barriers to effective FP use, including cultural misconceptions and limited autonomy in reproductive decisions. Educational interventions, alongside efforts to involve men in FP discussions, are essential to improve reproductive health outcomes and contribute to sustainable development efforts in Lebanon.