• R El Arab and M Sagbakken.
• a Al-Ghad International Colleges for Health Sciences , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.
• Glob Health Action. 2019 Jan 1; 12 (1): 1585709.

BackgroundThe Syrian conflict has resulted in major humanitarian crises. The risk is particularly high amongst female children who face additional gendered risks, such as harassment and sexual violence, including a rise in prevalence of child marriage. Despite the importance of this topic, current literature remains relatively scarce.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the social and healthcare repercussions of Syrian refugee child marriages in Jordan and Lebanon.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was carried out to gather evidence, from a total of eight articles. Data analysis was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme check tool to systematically assess the trustworthiness, relevance and results of the included papers.ResultsThe findings of this research identify tradition, honour, economics, fear, and protection-related factors as drivers of child marriage of refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. These motives overlap with findings regarding access to reproductive health and reproductive rights. The lack of autonomy of the child to give informed consent is augmented in the context of protracted violence and displacement.ConclusionThere is a need for a holistic approach to provide safe spaces, education, and protection to young girls and their families to reduce their acceptance of child marriage.

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