The knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Syrian refugee women towards family planning: Sample of Hatay

Objective This study was conducted with the aim of determining the fertility characteristics of Syrian refugee women and their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours with regard to family planning. Design and sample The research was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional type of study. The study group consisted of 389 refugee women in the 15- to 49-year age group who had migrated from Syria to Hatay. Measure Study data were collected between October 2018 and January 2019 using forms containing questions on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, and their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding family planning. Data analysis was performed with the use of frequency, percentage, mean, median, standard deviation values and the chi-square test. Results Most of the participants reported that they used a family planning method, 47.9% that they preferred traditional methods, 15.2% that the method used was supported by their husbands. Most of the participants had mistaken beliefs about pregnancy and family planning methods. Participants' information on modern family planning methods was affected by their age, income level and social security status; their knowledge of traditional family planning methods was affected by their income level, their family structure and their use of a traditional method. Women's use of family planning was affected by their age, income level and their knowledge of modern and traditional methods. Conclusions Determination of the knowledge, attitudes and practice of refugee women regarding family planning and establishing the influential factors will enable nurses to make a contribution to the future provision of specific and culturally sensitive care to sick and healthy refugee women.