title: Systematic review of the evidence on the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health interventions in humanitarian crises.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This systematic review aims to evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions delivered in humanitarian crises.
  
  
  METHODS
  Crisis affected low-income or middle-income countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Crisis-affected populations in low-income or middle-income countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were systematically searched for relevant papers detailing interventions from 1 January 1980 until the search date on 30 April 2013. Data from included studies were then extracted, and the papers' quality evaluated using criteria based on modified STROBE and CONSORT checklists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary outcomes include, but are not limited to, changes in morbidity, mortality, sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis or gender-based violence. Secondary outcomes include, but are not limited to, reported condom use or skilled attendance at birth. Primary outputs include, but are not limited to, condoms distributed or education courses taught.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 7149 returned citations, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Only one randomised controlled trial was identified. The remaining observational studies were of moderate quality, demonstrating limited use of controls and inadequate attempts to address bias. Evidence of effectiveness was available for the following interventions: impregnated bed nets for pregnant women, subsidised refugee healthcare, female community health workers, and tiered community reproductive health services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The limited evidence base for SRH interventions highlights the need for improved research on the effectiveness of public health interventions in humanitarian crises. While interventions proven efficacious in stable settings are being used in humanitarian efforts, more evidence is required to demonstrate the effectiveness of delivering and scaling-up such interventions in humanitarian crises.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Post
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Public Health Policy, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Mazeda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hossain
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blanchet
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Public Health Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Bayard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D004190:Disasters; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000068101:Maternal-Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT; PUBLIC HEALTH; REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE; SEXUAL MEDICINE