Abstract
ABSTRACT This systematic review explored the relationship between the social determinants of health and health seeking behaviour of individuals affected by armed conflicts. A systematic search of all available evidence was conducted through well-known academic databases. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were quality assessed. The synthesis revealed that the social determinants of health in times of conflict also determine the level of health seeking in these individuals. The social determinants were grouped in three main themes a) individual and economic b) sociocultural c) political and health systems. The three themes show that armed conflicts affect health seeking behaviour of individuals in a multi-layered manner with strong connections across the social determinants. This review shows that individuals are forced to choose between fulfilling their basic needs and attending health services. This is further compounded by the lack of health provision in conflict settings. Future research must address the social determinants of health when examining health seeking behaviour of conflict affected populations.
Highlights
Populations in conflict settings have the same fundamental rights to health as those living in stable environments (Austin et al 2008)
This systematic review explored the relationship between the social determinants of health and health seeking behaviour of individuals affected by armed conflicts
The synthesis revealed that the social determinants of health in times of conflict determine the level of health seeking in these individuals
Summary
Populations in conflict settings have the same fundamental rights to health as those living in stable environments (Austin et al 2008) This is affirmed by global policies that have established the association between existing human rights and health rights (UN 1994, 2015). Epidemiological studies show that armed conflicts are ranked among the top-ten causes of death globally (Fürst et al 2009; Lopez et al 2006). These conflicts present challenges to the health systems, human health and overall health of civilizations due to population displacement and food scarcity (Hogan et al 2010; Martins et al 2006; Murray et al 2002)
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