In:
PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 3, No. 2 ( 2023-2-23), p. e0001005-
Abstract:
Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents is a global priority, given the detrimental health and economic impact of unintended pregnancies. To examine whether and how COVID-19 affected access to SRH services, we use mixed-methods data from young men and women in Nairobi, Kenya to identify those at greatest risk of contraceptive disruptions during COVID-19 restrictions. Analyses utilize cross-sectional data collected from August to October 2020 from an existing cohort of youth aged 16–26. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression examined sociodemographic, contraceptive, and COVID-19-related correlates of contraceptive disruption among users of contraception. Qualitative data were collected concurrently via focus group discussions (n = 64, 8 groups) and in-depth interviews (n = 20), with matrices synthesizing emergent challenges to obtaining contraception by gender. Among those using contraception, both young men (40.4%) and young women (34.6%) faced difficulties obtaining contraception during COVID-19. Among young men, difficulty was observed particularly for those unable to meet their basic needs (aOR = 1.60; p = 0.05). Among young women, risk centered around those with multiple partners (aOR = 1.91; p = 0.01), or who procured their method from a hospital (aOR = 1.71; p = 0.04) or clinic (aOR = 2.14; p = 0.03). Qualitative data highlight economic barriers to obtaining contraceptives, namely job loss and limited supply of free methods previously available. Universal access to a variety of contraceptive methods during global health emergencies, including long-acting reversible methods, is an essential priority to help youth avert unintended pregnancies and withstand periods of disruptions to services. Non-judgmental, youth-friendly services must remain accessible throughout the pandemic into the post-COVID-19 period.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2767-3375
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.r004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pgph.0001005.r005
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3101394-6
Permalink