Challenges in Access and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Uganda: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Frontiers in Reproductive Health

Fiona Bhondoekhan¹  Claude Kirimuhuzya²  Jane Nakawesi³  Patrick Kyamanywa⁴  Yusuf Mulumba⁵  Louis K. Kamyuka⁶  Surat Olabisi Akib⁷  Solomon Adomi Mbina⁸  Robinson Ssebuufu⁹  Franck Katembo Sikakulya^1,10  Jean Christophe Rusatira^1,11  Henry Wasswa^1,12  Simon Binezero Mambo^1,13 

[1]Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Baltimore, MD, United States

[2]0Department of Pathology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

[3]1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda

[4]2Department of Paediatrics, Mildmay Uganda Hospital, Wakiso, Uganda

[5]Biostatistics, Cancer Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

[6]Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States

[7]Department of HIV/TB (CHAI Clinic), Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

[8]Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda

[9]Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda

[10]Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

[11]

[12]Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Bill &Reproductive Health Uganda, Iganga, Uganda

[13]Youth Alliance for Reproductive Health, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

关键词: sexual reproductive health;    COVID-19;    youth;    Uganda;    lockdown;   

DOI  :  10.3389/frph.2021.705609

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

IntroductionSexual and Reproductive Health access to Information services is still a pressing need for youth in Uganda even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted health care access in many countries. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges in access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services as faced by youth during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study carried out from 28th April 2020 to 11th May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was disseminated to youth aged between 18 and 30 years over a period of 14 days. The snowball sampling method was used to recruit participants. STATA version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsOf 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported that they did not have access to information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). More than a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n = 195) reported that testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections were not available during the lockdown, and 27.2% could not obtain contraceptive supplies. Access to HIV/AIDS care services and menstrual supplies was also impaired. Lack of transportation was the commonest factor cited as limiting access to SRH services during the lockdown (68.7%), followed by the long distance from home to SRH facilities (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and the curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest SRH problems related to SRH during the lockdown (40.4%) followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). Marital, educational, and employment status were significantly correlated with the reported experiences of the participants.ConclusionAccess to SRH information and services for Ugandan youth was restricted during the COVID-19 lockdown and leaving them vulnerable to various SRH risks and adverse outcomes. Lack of transportation, long distances to health facilities, and high cost of services were important limiting factors. The Government and other stakeholders should incorporate SRH among the priority services to be preserved during future outbreaks.

【 授权许可】

Unknown