Journal of Refugee Studies
Volume 31, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 104-130

Health service access and utilization among syrian refugees and affected host communities in lebanon (Article)

Lyles E. , Hanquart B. , Chlela L. , Woodman M. , Fouad F.M. , Sibai A. , Doocy S.* , Aridi N. , Kassab N. , Keyrouz A. , du Monde M. , Al-Shatti D. , de La F. , Lhas Study Team
  • a Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • b Medicins du Monde, Beirut, Lebanon
  • c Medicins du Monde, Beirut, Lebanon
  • d United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Beirut, Lebanon
  • e American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
  • f American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
  • g Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • h [Affiliation not available]
  • i [Affiliation not available]
  • j [Affiliation not available]
  • k [Affiliation not available]
  • l [Affiliation not available]
  • m [Affiliation not available]
  • n [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

The influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon poses an immense burden on the health system. A survey of Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities was conducted in early 2015 to characterize health-seeking behaviours and service access. A total of 1,376 refugee and 686 host community households were surveyed using cluster design with probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Access to health care and medication was worse among refugees as compared to the host community; the primary barrier to care in both groups was cost. Strengthening primary health services and educating communities about rational care-seeking and home treatment of mild illness may decrease heath costs and reduce the burden on the Lebanese health system. Health system reform towards universal health care for refugees and vulnerable Lebanese that is supported by the international community could help to ensure integration and provide less costly and more sustainable health services access for refugees. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Host community Refugee Humanitarian assistance Health services Lebanon Syria

Index Keywords

accessibility refugee health services Syrian Arab Republic Lebanon household survey humanitarian aid
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85043463018&doi=10.1093%2fjrs%2ffex014&partnerID=40&md5=4c7621b47cc4f4afafce5df5ac8168d1
DOI: 10.1093/jrs/fex014
ISSN: 09516328
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English