Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes among Incarcerated Women in Canada: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212098598
Author(s):  
Martha Paynter ◽  
Clare Heggie ◽  
Shelley McKibbon ◽  
Ruth Martin-Misener ◽  
Adelina Iftene ◽  
...  

Background Women are the fastest growing population in Canadian prisons. Incarceration can limit access to essential health services, increase health risks and disrupt treatment and supports. Despite legal requirements to provide care at professionally accepted standards, evidence suggests imprisonment undermines sexual and reproductive health. This scoping review asks, “What is known about the sexual and reproductive health of people incarcerated in prisons for women in Canada?” Methods We use the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic scoping reviews. Databases searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Gender Studies Abstracts, Google Scholar and Proquest Dissertations and grey literature. The search yielded 1424 titles and abstracts of which 15 met the criteria for inclusion. Results Conducted from 1994–2020, in provincial facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec as well as federal prisons, the 15 studies included qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. The most common outcomes of interest were related to HIV. Other outcomes studied included Papanicolaou (Pap) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, contraception, pregnancy, birth/neonatal outcomes, and sexual assault. Conclusion Incarceration results in lack of access to basic services including contraception and prenatal care. Legal obligations to provide sexual and reproductive health services at professionally acceptable standards appear unmet. Incarceration impedes rights of incarcerated people to sexual and reproductive health.

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-622
Author(s):  
Diana Marcela Hernández-Pérez ◽  
María Natalia Moreno-Ruíz ◽  
Anderson Iván Rocha-Buelvas ◽  
Arsenio Hidalgo-Troya

Introduction: Poverty and social inequalities together with sexually transmitted diseases have a negative impact on women’s health, which is considered to be a public health problem.Objective: To analyze barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services in cleaning workers.Materials and methods: A survey was administered to a sample of 37 female cleaning workers at a hospital in Bogotá D.C. A bivariate analysis was performed with chi-square test, as well as a multivariate analysis with binomial logistic regression.Results: Need factors showed greater association with non-use of sexual health services. All married women had accessed the service over the past 12 months, but there were 5.9 less possibilities of using sexual and reproductive health services when there was no awareness about risk behaviors of sexually transmitted diseases.Conclusion: The determining factor for the utilization of sexual health services is the health care need factor. Variables such as perception of risk behaviors and appropriateness of health care significantly influence the use of the service.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Binezero Mambo ◽  
Franck K. Sikakulya ◽  
Robinson Ssebuufu ◽  
Yusuf Mulumba ◽  
Henry Wasswa ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic threatens access to sexual and reproductive health services. With global health emergencies, there is often a total reversal of priorities and access to sexual and reproductive health services may become challenging. The aim of this study was to establish the problems related to sexual and reproductive health among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown. MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18years to 30 years recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.2.Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported not having testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections available during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to access to SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to SRH facility (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest (40.4%) problem related to SRH during the lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). The multivariate regression analysis shows that problems were more prevalent among the co-habiting youth [APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29), p<0.001] followed by unemployed (volunteer or unpaid) [APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64), p: 0.037] than in other participants. ConclusionsThe findings of this study show that Ugandan youths have accessing SRH information and services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cohabiting and unemployed participants were the most affected. Lack of transport means and high cost of services were the major limiting factors to access SRH services among the youths. The findings call for concerted efforts from the Uganda government and international non-governmental organisations to ensure access and availability of SRH services for Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ellen Abrafi Boamah-Kaali ◽  
Seyram Kaali ◽  
Grace Manu ◽  
Stephaney Gyaase ◽  
Elisha Adeniji ◽  
...  

Introduction. Tailoring sexual and reproductive health programs and services to the needs of adolescents will help adolescents make informed decisions and choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. Objective. To assess the opinions of service providers on tailoring sexual and reproductive health services to the needs of adolescents. Method. A qualitative study using indepth interviews was held among eight decision-makers and service providers in two hospitals within the Kintampo North Municipality and Kintampo South District as well as the Municipal and District Health Directorates in Kintampo North and South between April and May 2011. Results. All respondents expressed the opinion that it is a good idea to tailor sexual and reproductive health services to the needs of adolescents. They admitted that very limited sexual and reproductive health programs targeting adolescent needs were available in the study area. Service providers also reported very low levels of health facilities use by adolescents for sexual and reproductive health information and services. Health professionals attributed the poor sexual and reproductive health services utilization by adolescents to stigma from the society and attitudes of service providers. Conclusion. There are no targeted sexual and reproductive health programmes and services for adolescents. Services providers indicated that it is important to tailor sexual and reproductive health services to the needs of adolescents to prevent stigma, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted infections.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Binezero Mambo ◽  
Franck K. Sikakulya ◽  
Robinson Ssebuufu ◽  
Yusuf Mulumba ◽  
Henry Wasswa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care access in many countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods This was across-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. A questionnaire was administered online to participants aged 18 to 30 years. Subjects were recruited using a snowballing approach. STATA version 14.2 was used for statistical analysis.Results Of 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. 27.2% could not obtain contraceptive supplies. Access to HIV services and menstrual supplies were 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. Conclusion Access to SRH information and services for Ugandan youths was restricted during the COVID-19 lockdown and may have increased the incidence of poor SRH outcomes. Lack of transportation, distance 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.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e035335
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Boniface Ayanbekongshie Ushie ◽  
Meggie Mwoka ◽  
Emmy Kageha Igonya ◽  
Ramatou Ouedraogo ◽  
...  

IntroductionPrevious studies have attempted to review the vast body of evidence on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), but none has focused on a complete mapping and synthesis of the body of inquiry and evidence on ASRH in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Such a comprehensive scoping is needed, however, to offer direction to policy, programming and future research. We aim to undertake a scoping review of studies on ASRH in SSA to capture the landscape of extant research and findings and identify gaps for future research.Methods and analysisThis protocol is designed using the framework for scoping reviews developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will include English and French language peer-reviewed publications and grey literature on ASRH (aged 10–19) in SSA published between January 2010 and June 2019. A three-step search strategy involving an initial search of three databases to refine the keywords, a full search of all databases and screening of references of previous review studies for relevant articles missing from our full search will be employed. We will search AJOL, JSTOR, HINARI, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and the websites for the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO and Guttmacher Institute. Two reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion—using Covidence (an online software). We will then extract relevant information from studies that meet the inclusion criteria using a tailored extraction frame and template. Extracted data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results will be presented using tables and charts and summaries of key themes arising from available research findings.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for a scoping review as it synthesises publicly available publications. Dissemination will be through publication in a peer-review journal and presentation at relevant conferences and convening of policymakers and civil society organisations working on ASRH in SSA.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa ◽  
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽  
Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly altered the pre-existing landscape for sexual and reproductive health. Adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes are therefore more likely to be affected due to reports of overwhelmed health systems. However, sexual and reproductive health wellbeing should be prioritized at all times to counteract adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. As a result, the proposed review aims at synthesizing evidence on the implications of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Methods: An electronic search for literature will be executed to identify peer reviewed and grey literature on the subject. After screening for studies to include in the synthesis, the checklist of the Joanna Briggs Institute, the McMaster Critical Review form and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, and Significance (AACODS) will be used for assessment. The study will be conducted in line with the recommendations detailed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and a narrative report will be developed.Discussion: Our proposed review aims at identifying the specific implications of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health. The review will highlight the systemic challenges and gaps that reinforce the intensity of the impact. It will also identify the aspects of sexual and reproductive health that are much affected among the wide array of components that constitute sexual and reproductive health such as family planning, antenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care among other factors. A better understanding of these issues will help global, regional and national stakeholders and policy makers to identify the specific sexual and reproductive health dimensions that need targeted interventions. Scoping review registration: https://osf.io/85fch


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Binezero Mambo ◽  
Franck K. Sikakulya ◽  
Robinson Ssebuufu ◽  
Yusuf Mulumba ◽  
Henry Wasswa ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused a wide range of disruptions in health care access in many low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influenced access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18years to 30 years were recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.2.Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported not having access to testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to accessing SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to SRH facilities (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and curfew conditions (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest (40.4%) problems related to SRH during the lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). Limiting factors were more prevalent among the co-habiting youths [CPR: 1.3 (1.13-1.49) and APR:1.2 (1.06-1.41)] followed by unemployed [CPR: 1.3 (1.09 - 1.53) and APR:1.2 (1 - 1.42)] and non-salaried [APR:1.2 (1- 1.42)] than other participants. The bivariate and multivariate regression analyses indicate that problems were more prevalent among the co-habiting youths [CPR: 2.7 (1.88 - 3.74) and APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29)] followed by the unemployed [CPR: 2 (1.27 - 3.2) and APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64)] than in other categories. ConclusionThe findings of this study show that Ugandan youths had limited access to SRH information and services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cohabiting and unemployed youths were the most affected by problems related to SRH. Lack of transport means and high cost of services were the major limiting factors to access SRH services among the youths. The findings call for concerted efforts from the Government and other stakeholders to incorporate SRH among the priority services when designing responses to any outbreak crisis.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047034
Author(s):  
Javiera Navarrete ◽  
Nese Yuksel ◽  
Theresa J Schindel ◽  
Christine A Hughes

ObjectivesPharmacists are increasingly providing patient-focused services in community pharmacies, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Specific SRH areas have been the focus of research, but a broader perspective is needed to position pharmacists as SRH providers. This review explored research that described and evaluated professional pharmacy services across a broad range of SRH areas.DesignScoping reviewData sourcesMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library (January 2007–July 2020).Study selectionStudies reporting on the description and evaluation of professional pharmacy SRH services provided by community pharmacists.Data extractionTwo investigators screened studies for eligibility, and one investigator extracted the data. Data were analysed to primarily describe professional pharmacy services and intervention outcomes.ResultsForty-one studies were included. The main SRH areas and professional pharmacy services reported were sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (63%) and screening (39%), respectively. Findings showed that pharmacists’ delivery of SRH services was feasible, able to reach vulnerable and high-risk groups, and interventions were highly accepted and valued by users. However, integration into daily workflow, pharmacist remuneration, cost and reimbursement for patients, and policy regulations were some of the barriers identified to implementing SRH services. Studies were primarily in specific areas such as chlamydia screening or hormonal contraception prescribing, while studies in other areas (ie, medical abortion provision, long-acting reversible contraception prescribing and vaccine delivery in pregnant women) were lacking.ConclusionThis scoping review highlights the expansion of pharmacists’ roles beyond traditional product-focused services in a number of SRH areas. Given the potential feasibility, users’ acceptability and reach, pharmacists are ideally situated to enhance SRH care access. Future research describing implementation and evaluation of professional pharmacy services in all SRH areas is needed to promote access to these services through community pharmacies and position pharmacists as SRH providers worldwide.


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