Prior to the conflict, Syria had relatively high fertility rates. In 2010, it had the sixth highest total fertility rate in the Arab World, but it witnessed a fertility decline before the conflict in 2011. Displacement during conflict influences fertility behaviour, and meeting the contraceptive needs of displaced populations is complex. This study explored the perspectives of women and service providers about fertility behaviour of and service provision to Syrian refugee women in Bekaa, Lebanon. We used qualitative methodology to conduct 12 focus group discussions with Syrian refugee women grouped in different age categories and 13 in-depth interviews with care providers from the same region. Our findings indicate that the displacement of Syrians to Lebanon had implications on the fertility behaviour of the participants. Women brought their beliefs about preferred family size and norms about decision-making into an environment where they were exposed to both aid and hardship. The unaffordability of contraceptives in the Lebanese privatised health system compared to their free provision in Syria limited access to family planning services. Efforts are needed to maintain health resources and monitor health needs of the refugee population in order to improve access and use of services. © 2017 The Author(s).

Family planning Fertility Refugee health Contraception Lebanon Syria

perception refugee Family Planning Services health care personnel Syrian Arab Republic human epidemiology Refugees middle aged health service controlled study priority journal fertility ethnology family size qualitative research Family Characteristics health personnel attitude interview Attitude of Health Personnel Young Adult Lebanon Humans psychology Adolescent Interviews as Topic male female Article organization and management thematic analysis Syrian exploratory research adult health care access Syria age Age Factors patient attitude parity Health Services Accessibility Patient Acceptance of Health Care health care system decision making contraceptive behavior Contraception Behavior family planning health care need health care delivery