Reproductive health during conflict and displacement: Experiences of selected Tausug displaced women in the province of Sulu

This study identifies and describes the reproductive health problems and needs of the Tausug women displaced by the armed conflict in the Province of Sulu. It also looks into their health seeking behavior and utilization of reproductive health services during conflict and displacement. The delivery of reproductive health services by both professional and traditional health workers in conflict situation is also explored.This exploratory and qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews of fifteen Tausug displaced women belonging to three age groups: younger (18-25 yrs. old) middle aged (26-35 yrs. old) and older (36-45 yrs. old). Two professional health workers and four traditional health workers were also identified as key informants.Results revealed that armed conflict and displacement are extreme and unstable circumstances that placed women at increased risks for reproductive health problems, particularly pregnancy and delivery complications. Changes in fertility intention and contraceptive needs were apparent, as women wanted to delay pregnancy, but have no access to family planning services and information. Cultural beliefs, traditions and superstitions were also found to affect the reproductive health attitudes and experiences of the Tausug displaced women. Consequences of armed conflict, such as family separation, destruction of properties, economic deprivation, altered traditional gender role and poor living condition compounded their vulnerabilities to reproductive health problems.The health workers showed diminishing capacity to meet the displaced women\u27s increased reproductive health needs. The armed conflict exacerbated and compounded the structural weaknesses inherent in health systems even before the conflict, such as lack of manpower and supplies. Moreover, The danger of conflict situation endangered the health workers in accessing the displaced population