Title:
People and Services in Transit: A Scoping Review on Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for Refugees in Camps and Informal Settlements in the WHO European Region
Authors:
Sherally, Jamilah
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2022
PAGE:
x, 67
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Sexual and reproductive health, Access, Refugees [MeSH], Refugee Camps [MeSH], Europe [MeSH]
Abstract:
Introduction: Reviews addressing access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for refugees are either limited to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) or focus on countries of destination. In order to strengthen SRH responses for refugees residing in formal camps and informal settlements in the WHO (World Health Organisation) European region, this scoping review summarizes the evidence on (the factors influencing) their access. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science were systematically searched for quantitative, qualitative and mixedmethods studies published from 2012 onwards, supplemented with grey literature. From 1951 screened records, 41 studies across 12 countries were included: 24 peer-reviewed and 17 grey literature. Data was extracted using standardized templates and charted using qualitative content analysis. Barriers and facilitators were mapped onto Levesque et al.'s (2013) ten-dimension framework (five supply-side dimensions and five demand-side abilities). Results: Unmet family planning (FP) needs and inadequate use of ante- and postnatal care indicate poor access, but studies are limited to Turkey. 246 barriers and 19 facilitators across predominantly the supply-side domain of Levesque’s framework emerged. Important barriers include absence of gender-sensitive services, staffing challenges and language barriers. Poor leadership and coordination result in ad-hoc services that are inadequately transitioning to comprehensive care. Refugees in transit prioritise reaching their final destination over their immediate health needs. Lack of trust in the healthcare system and poor health literacy further reduce access. An adapted version of the framework, incorporating the overarching themes of language and the refugees’ transient nature, is better suited for this population. Conclusion: The SRH landscape for refugees in the WHO European region is characterised by a fragmented system of emergency services provided to a population who prioritise reaching their country of destination. My strong conviction is that by strengthening the availability, continuity and quality of the ‘in transit’ services, we will sufficiently lower the threshold for the ‘population in transit’ to receive their entitled care.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Training:
Master of International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2022 Sherally
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
Tw86DLjZSB_20230509155518451.pdf