Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to and utilisation of services for sexual and reproductive health: a scoping review

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health systems globally and widened preexisting disparities. We conducted a scoping review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls’ access to and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for contraception, abortion, gender-based and intimate partner violence (GBV/IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).MethodsWe systematically searched peer reviewed literature and quantitative reports, published between December 2019 and July 2021, focused on women and girls’ (15–49 years old) access to and utilisation of selected SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included studies were grouped based on setting, SRH service area, study design, population and reported impact. Qualitative data were coded, organised thematically and grouped by major findings.ResultsWe included 83 of 3067 identified studies and found that access to contraception, in-person safe abortion services, in-person services for GBV/IPV and STI/HIV testing, prevention and treatment decreased. The geographical distribution of this body of research was uneven and significantly less representative of countries where COVID-19 restrictions were very strict. Access was limited by demand and supply side barriers including transportation disruptions, financial hardships, limited resources and legal restrictions. Few studies focused on marginalised groups with distinct SRH needs.ConclusionReports indicated negative impacts on access to and utilisation of SRH services globally, especially for marginalised populations during the pandemic. Our findings call for strengthening of health systems preparedness and resilience to safeguard global access to essential SRH services in ongoing and future emergencies.

Access to support services for individuals who experience intimate partner violence during stressful life events (SLEs) in high-income countries: Protocol for a scoping review

“…Some scoping reviews are currently investigating the impact of COVID-19, with specific focus on access to and utilization of services for sexual and reproductive health. This includes services for gender-based violence and IPV [ 21 ], while others are looking at virtual supports and IPV services [ 22 ]. There are also reviews underway on women’s mental health and experience of IPV following natural disasters [ 23 ] and the impact of IPV on work and employment [ 24 ].…”

Trends in STI testing and diagnosis rates during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large urban tertiary care center, and the role of the emergency department in STI care

“…STI care was especially affected early in the pandemic, when many outpatient clinics closed, stay-at-home orders were put in place, and there was widespread fear of accessing medical facilities. This may have led to delays in seeking care, difficulty accessing lab testing or medical treatment for STIs ( 1 ), or preferential utilization of the emergency department (ED) for STI care, as EDs remained open for in-person care throughout the pandemic. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the ED was already the preferred location of care for many vulnerable populations.…”

Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on family planning: results from a qualitative study in rural Uganda following COVID-19 lockdown

“…A few quantitative studies exist with this aim [12][13][14][15][16], one of which found 20% of surveyed community members in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Nigeria reported difficulty in accessing family planning services due to COVID-19 [13]. To our knowledge, limited studies have qualitatively explored the possible effects of COVID-19 on family planning service delivery and access to-date [17]. In addition, researchers posit that other known determinants of family planning related to gender inequity may be exacerbated by COVID-19 [18], which may be particularly relevant in settings such as Uganda.…”