The role of social capital in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Background Social capital is an important social determinant of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Little research has been conducted to understand the role of social capital in women’s sexual and reproductive health and how this can be harnessed to improve health in humanitarian settings. We synthesised the evidence to examine the nexus of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights and social capital in humanitarian contexts. Methods We undertook a systematic review of qualitative studies. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were used to identify peer-reviewed, qualitative studies conducted in humanitarian settings published since 1999. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest Health & Medicine, PubMed, Embase and Web of science core collection and assessed quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. We used a meta-ethnographic approach to synthesise and analyse the data. Findings Of 6749 initially identified studies, we included 19 studies, of which 18 were in conflict-related humanitarian settings and one in a natural disaster setting. The analysis revealed that the main form of social capital available to women was bonding social capital or strong links between people within groups of similar characteristics. There was limited use of bridging social capital, consisting of weaker connections between people of approximately equal status and power but with different characteristics. The primary social capital mechanisms that played a role in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights were social support, informal social control and collective action. Depending on the nature of the values, norms and traditions shared by network members, these social capital mechanisms had the potential to both facilitate and hinder positive health outcomes for women. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the importance of understanding social capital in planning sexual and reproductive health responses in humanitarian settings. The analysis highlights the need to investigate social capital from an individual perspective to expose the intra-network dynamics that shape women’s experiences. Insights could help inform community-based preparedness and response programs aimed at improving the demand for and access to quality sexual and reproductive health services in humanitarian settings.

Identifying the Preparedness Components for Sexual Violence in Natural Disasters: A Systematic Review

“…Sexual violence roots in social structures, frameworks, and policies, and their weakness can lead to pre- and postdisaster sexual violence ( 60 ). A study has stated that in the event of a disaster, the society should support and protect people, especially women and girls, which requires years of planning in the community before disasters ( 61 , 62 ), which is in line with the results of the present study. To properly manage sexual violence, it is necessary to identify the cultural, socioeconomical roots and social norms and consider them in policies ( 61 , 63 ) and consider the important role of policymakers in preparing and providing appropriate responses to sexual violence in disasters ( 11 ).…”

“…Researchers have found that comprehensive planning is required to be in line with the culture of the people in affected areas and provide appropriate and timely services and protect human rights. Therefore, strong and sustainable preparedness programs are needed to respond to the needs of sexual violence victims ( 62 , 75 ). Developing a contingency plan will also help to prevent disasters and their consequences.…”

Sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings: a matter of life and death

“…A clear and in-depth understanding of regulations guiding the SRHR of these populations by both livedexperience insights gained directly from inhabitants in addition to the insight provided by service providers is also paramount to integrating both perspectives to better understand how to address these continuing gaps that prevent women and girls from achieving optimal SRH [5,14]. Therefore, highly active multi-sectoral collaboration is required to provide high-quality and accountable services [49] and to recognize that SRHR constitutes a basic human right that does not need to be violated [22,50].…”

WITHDRAWN: The influence of Social Capital on Psychosexual Health of adolescents in China - the mediating role of Psychological Capital and Self-efficacy

“…The study nds that social capital is signi cantly related to a variety of positive health outcomes (19). Communities with higher social capital may have better access to sexual education and healthcare services, potentially leading to improved psychosexual health outcomes (20). There is a connection between social capital and psychological well-being.…”