Correlates of sexually transmitted infections among Syrian refugee women and girls in Lebanon: knowledge, symptoms, and health-seeking behaviors

Syrian refugee girls and young women in Lebanon face a disproportionate risk of poor Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) outcomes, especially Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). However, limited research has explored the factors associated with SRH vulnerabilities. This study aimed to quantify the associations between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and experiences of self-reported STI symptoms, health-seeking behaviors, and knowledge of HIV/AIDS.

This study is part of the Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) Trial, which aims to improve SRH and Family Planning (FP) among Syrian refugee women and girls in humanitarian settings.

Findings highlight some factors that align and others that contradict previous literature, as discussed in the manuscript. Logistic regression models showed that reporting STI symptoms was significantly associated with younger age of participants, financial barriers to seeking healthcare, and use of FP methods. Better knowledge of HIV/AIDS was significantly associated with higher education of participants, higher age of spouse, and use of FP methods. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission was also significantly associated with higher spouse age, higher education of participants, and use of FP methods.

This study highlights the role of key factors associated with the experience of self-reported STI symptoms, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and health-seeking behaviors. Findings suggest that age, education, economic barriers, and use of FP methods should be considered in targeted interventions aiming to improve SRH outcomes among this population.