BACKGROUND

Social capital, the resources embedded in social networks, has been identified as a key determinant of sexual and reproductive health outcomes, yet its role in crisis contexts, particularly in shaping access to sexual and reproductive services and influencing policy and planning, remains underexplored.

METHODS

We undertook a scoping review to examine the incorporation of social capital into policy and guidance documents related to women's sexual and reproductive health services in humanitarian crises, specifically focusing on Fiji and the Pacific region.

RESULTS

The review identifies eight interconnected dimensions of social capital in two groups. The first group outlines approaches that service providers can take to harness and build social capital (community involvement, linking to existing services, and identifying community resources). The second group includes existing social capital mechanisms (trust, social norms and values, social power, social support, and the integration of traditional knowledge) that have the potential to both improve, and hinder access to information and services.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that while these dimensions are referenced in policy documents, there is often a lack of detailed implementation guidance. The findings underscore the importance of detailed guidance on leveraging existing social networks and understanding the nuanced nature of social capital and how it can impact sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Research is required to provide a deeper understanding of social capital and how such capital can be brought to bear to optimise sexual and reproductive health service preparedness and delivery in disaster recovery, particularly in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.