A forgotten group during humanitarian crises: a systematic review of sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people including adolescents in humanitarian settings
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Conflict and Health
Abstract
Background: Young people including adolescents face barriers to healthcare and increased risk of poor sexual
and reproductive health (SRH), which are exacerbated in humanitarian settings. Our systematic review assessed
the evidence on SRH interventions for young people including adolescents in humanitarian settings, strategies to
increase their utilisation and their effects on health outcomes.
Methods: We searched peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 1980 and 2018 using search terms
for adolescents, young people, humanitarian crises in low- and middle- income countries and SRH in four
databases and relevant websites. We analysed literature matching pre-defined inclusion criteria using narrative
synthesis methodology, and appraised for study quality.
Findings: We found nine peer-reviewed and five grey literature articles, the majority published post-2012 and
mostly high- or medium-quality, focusing on prevention of unintended pregnancies, HIV/STIs, maternal and
newborn health, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. We found no studies on prevention of
mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), safe abortion, post-abortion care, urogenital fistulae or female genital
mutilation (FGM). Thirteen studies reported positive effects on outcomes (majority were positive changes in
knowledge and attitudes), seven studies reported no effects in some SRH outcomes measured, and one study
reported a decrease in number of new and repeat FP clients. Strategies to increase intervention utilisation by young
people include adolescent-friendly spaces, peer workers, school-based activities, and involving young people.
Description
Keywords
Adolescent health, Young people, Sexual health, Reproductive health, Humanitarian
Citation
Jennings, L., George, A. S., Jacobs, T., Blanchet, K., & Singh, N. S. (2019). A forgotten group during humanitarian crises: A systematic review of sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people including adolescents in humanitarian settings. Conflict and Health, 13(1) doi:10.1186/s13031-019-0240-y